Comfort Technology

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

At Provincetown Dental Arts, our nitrous oxide sedation is a safe and well-established way to deal with dental anxiety and discomfort. It can be used with patients of all ages. It is a sweet-smelling gas made up of nitrous oxide and oxygen gasses. Though it has a calming and comforting effect, it enables you to be in control and awake through the procedure. This allows you to communicate with us, as needed, throughout the procedure. It raises the pain threshold, usually makes time feel as if it passes more quickly, and can help you if you are anxious or have an overactive gag reflex.

Nitrous Oxide cannot be used if you are pregnant, too young to understand the procedure or if you are uncomfortable with something around your nose. You will be monitored continuously throughout its use and it is best to have an empty stomach or no heavy meals for at least two hours before use. Nitrous oxide is administered through a nasal hood that fits snugly over your nose and is disposable, to reduce the likelihood of cross contamination. These individualized masks are latex free and come in a variety sizes, scents and colors. If you have any questions about this very useful procedure, please ask.