|
|
|
|
|
| General Dentistry » Sedation - IV and Relative Anaesthesia [Gas] (N2O) |
|
- With nitrous oxide, it's easy to give incremental doses until
the desired action is obtained (this is called "titration").
So the administrator has virtually absolute control over the action
of the drug, preventing the possibility of accidental overdoses.
While giving incremental doses is possible with IV sedation, it's
not possible with oral sedation (as a result, oral sedation can
be a bit of a hit-and-miss affair).
- Unlike IV sedation, no injection is required. In cases of very
severe needle phobia, getting laughing gas first can help you
feel relaxed enough to allow the needle required for IV sedation
to be inserted in your arm or hand. The very deep state of sedation
achievable through IV sedation may then allow you to accept local
anaesthetic.
- Inhalation sedation is very safe. It has very few side effects
and the drugs used have no ill effects on the heart, lungs, liver,
kidneys, or brain.
- For certain procedures, especially those involving soft tissues
(e. g. deep cleaning), inhalation sedation may be used instead
of local anaesthesia. N2O acts as a painkiller; however, its pain-relieving
effects vary a lot from person to person and can't be relied upon.
So if you're determined to give the needle a miss, you and your
dentist will have to try and see what happens...
- Inhalation sedation has been found to be very effective in eliminating
or at least minimizing severe gagging.
When should I not use it?
There aren't any major contraindications to RA, except for emphysema
and some exotic chest problems. It hasn't been proven to be safe
during the first trimester of pregnancy, so you can't use it then.
Because you have to breathe it in through your nose, it's not suitable
for people who have a cold or some other condition which prevents
them from breathing through their nose. M.S. is another contraindication.
You can't be allergic to N2O. It's also safe to use if you suffer
from epilepsy, liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, or cerebrovascular
disease. It is also used quite successfully in many people with
respiratory disease - but it depends on the exact nature of the
disease, so check with your dentist!
|
|
|
|
|
|
