For Your Comfort
“Laughing Gas”
Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is often used as a conscious sedative during a dental visit. The gas is administered with a mixture of oxygen and has a calming effect that helps phobic or anxious patients relax during their dental treatment. Because it is a mild sedative, patients are still conscious and can talk to their dentist during their visit. After treatment, the nitrous is turned off and oxygen is administered for five to 10 minutes to help flush any remaining gas. The effects wear off almost immediately. Nitrous oxide rarely has side effects, although some patients may experience minor nausea and constipation. Your doctor will provide you with pre-and post-sedation instructions.
Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedation during dental treatment. Sedation is most commonly used during extensive procedures, for patients with dental phobia or for patients who find it difficult to sit still. There are different types of sedation, including nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), IV sedation, oral sedatives and general anesthetic.
Sedation can range from the use of nitrous oxide to calm a patient to general anesthetics used to put patients to sleep. Patients with dental phobia, low pain tolerance, major dental treatment, physical handicaps or strong gag reflexes may require sedation. Procedures like fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, extractions, cosmetic procedures and periodontal treatments often require sedation.
Sedation is endorsed by the American Dental Association and is an effective way to make many patients comfortable during their dental visit. Before using a sedative or anesthetic, it is important to tell your dentist about any medications or medical treatments you are receiving. Before administering any sedative or anesthetic, your dentist will talk to you about the process of sedation and pre-and post-sedation instructions.
Anesthetic
We believe you should feel no discomfort – at all – during your visit to our office. Dr. Paul and Dr. Matt Schwedfeger always use a numbing gel on your gums before they numb you with the Novocain. Recently developed dental anesthetics and careful techniques have virtually eliminated the common complaint: “my old dentist could never get me numb”. Most patients at Village Smiles remark that Dr. Paul and Dr. Matt Schwedfeger give the most comfortable shots they have ever had in a dental office.
Music
We offer all our patients personal CD players to use during their visits. You may choose music from our extensive collection of CDs, or bring your own for relaxation.
Buckwheat pillows and warm blankets
Neck support is essential to achieve relaxation during a dental visit. We have a collection of ultra comfortable buckwheat pillows to satisfy any shaped neck. Feel free to kick off your shoes and wrap yourself in one of our warm and soft blankets.
Warm, lemon-scented towels
At the completion of your dental visit, we offer you a warmed, individually wrapped, lemon-scented towel to refresh yourself.
Beverages
We offer you chilled spring water or a hot mug of tea or coffee to satisfy your thirst.
Post-treatment instructions
At the completion of most treatments, we offer written post-treatment instructions to explain what to expect following your dental visit.
I have never ever liked going to the dentist before, but you guys are one of a kind & can’t be beat. You are all the best. Thank you.
—Sincerely, Dave and Sandra Reed Fairport, NY
