Why is going to the dentist so STRESSFUL? It doesn’t have to be, which is why Dr. Langworthy and our team do everything we can to maintain a fun and laid-back environment in our dental office. You’ll often hear her or one of our team members laughing, singing, or attempting to do both! If our friendly team isn’t enough to calm your nerves, then we’re happy to offer sedation, a safe and proven way to make relaxing in the chair as easy as possible. Want to use sedation dentistry from our Fuquay-Varina, NC dentist at your next appointment? If so, be sure to give us a call and let us know.

For patients who have mild to moderate dental anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, or who have difficulty getting numb, nitrous oxide dental sedation can help. Long considered the safest type of sedation for the largest number of patients, this sweet-smelling gas is breathed in through the nose during your dental treatment, allowing you to feel calm, comfortable, and relaxed until your procedure is over. Best of all, because it leaves your system in about five minutes, once complete you can return to your normal activities without the need for any additional recovery time.
Nitrous oxide dental sedation is an excellent option for patients of all ages who are anxious or fearful of the dentist or dental treatment. If you or your child suffers from the following, nitrous oxide dental sedation could be for you:
Please be aware that you may not be a good candidate for nitrous oxide dental sedation if you are pregnant, have sinus congestion, have a respiratory illness, or if you are taking certain medications that may interfere with sedation. Be sure to provide your dentist with your full medical history, including any current over the counter and prescription medications.
Nitrous oxide is delivered to the body via a comfortable mask that guides the sweet-smelling gas into your nostrils. The effects take just a few moments to work and will last the entire time you breathe it. Once your dental procedure has been completed, your dentist will turn off the nitrous oxide, and you will breathe pure oxygen for five minutes. Following this, you can return to your normal activities and can even drive yourself home with no lingering effects.
The good news is that while the effects of nitrous oxide sedation won’t linger after treatment, you should still prepare to remain here at the dental office for a few minutes to ensure you feel safe to drive. You should be able to return home, to work, or to school without any interruptions.
Be sure to follow the aftercare instructions for your procedure if you are provided with any, and if you have any questions or concerns about your treatment, or about nitrous oxide sedation, please don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance.