Happy Gas & IV Sedation
Here at Grange Family Dental, we pride ourselves on helping those who do suffer dental anxeity so that you can breathe more easily knowing there are ways you can deal with these feelings.
Happy Gas
Grange Family Dental offers nitrous oxide (commonly known as laughing or happy gas) to patients to help alleviate anxiety.
If anxiety is preventing you from going to the dentist, your dentist may help you manage and overcome this with Happy Gas, if appropriate.
Happy gas can help patients with:
- Strong gag reflex
- Very low pain threshold
- Very sensitive teeth
- Dental Anxiety or Phobia
How does Happy Gas work?
Happy Gas is a safe, effective mild sedative agent that safely and effectively manages anxiety. Although happy gas doesn’t eliminate the need for local anaesthetic or injections, it decreases pain sensation dramatically.
What do I need to know?
Happy Gas can be administered by our dentists – please let our booking staff know in advance if you feel you would like it so we can book you with a qualified practitioner and ensure your appointment length is a little longer.
You will be given a small mask that is placed over the nose, and asked to breathe evenly in and out through your nose during the procedure. The gas may make you feel light-headed, tingly, or heavy in your arms or legs as your body starts to relax. You will still be aware of what is going on around you and will be able to follow any instructions given by your dentist.
Can I drive after Happy Gas?
Happy Gas works quickly and once the procedure finishes will also wear off quickly. Most people are fine to drive shortly after their appointment, with minimal precautions.
Our practice is fitted with extra spaces to relax and unwind after your appointment if you feel you need to. For more anxious patients requiring complex dental care we also offer more profound sedation options, such as Intravenous sedation, or referral for GA.
Intravenous sedation
An IV sedation is an excellent option if you are apprehensive of the dentist, or dental procedures.
Intravenous (IV) sedation refers to the administering of an anti-anxiety drug through the blood during your dental treatment. An IV sedation is sometimes referred to as ‘twilight’ or ‘sleep’ dentistry and helps you to relax and feel at peace. Patients under twilight sedation can respond to the dentist’s questions and follow instructions but will generally have little or no recollection of the experience afterwards. The patient is not aware of the smells, sounds, and sights of the procedure or the dental office.
IV sedation is generally considered safe to be performed in the dental setting. In Australia our strict safety standards ensure you will be treated by one Practitioner who will administer the sedative and monitor your health, and a second practitioner who will be responsible for your dental treatment.
When can I consider IV sedation dentistry?
- Patients who need multiple surgical procedures, e.g. wisdom teeth removal
- Phobia of dental procedures
- Difficulty getting numb
- Sensitive teeth or oral nerves
- Complex dental issues
- Resistance to local anaesthetic
- A small mouth that aches during dental work
- General anxiety disorder Strong Gag reflex
Compared to a GA, the IV can be a better fit because:
IV sedation does not affect body processes, instead it eliminates your ability to feel pain.
You will be able to breathe and move on your own. This also makes it easy for us to identify any abnormalities during the procedure and respond swiftly.
The dentist can perform multiple procedures in one visit. This means that patients who need extensive dental care can receive treatments often in one surgery. This not only reduces the fear and apprehension associated with dental visits but also cuts down on costs.
Due to the fewer side effects compared to other sedation methods such as general anaesthesia, there is less recovery required after the procedure.