Nitrous Oxide Rave

Sedation dentistry is becoming more and more popular as a way to provide quality, comfortable, and efficient dental care for patients. At Pannu Dental Care, the main means of sedation dentistry is nitrous oxide (also called laughing gas). In other words, it’s “all the rave” in dental offices, but what makes this method so popular and successful compared to other sedation options?

To answer this question, you must ask a few other questions:

First, what is Nitrous oxide? The chemical compound is N2O, or, an oxide of nitrogen. Nitrous oxide is a sweet smelling, non-irritating, colorless gas. It is an oxide of nitrogen.

How is it used in dentistry? Nitrous oxide is used for its anesthetic and analgesic effects. As the gas enters the body through inhalation, the patient is sedated. This state carries with it a mild euphoric feeling, which is why it’s nicknamed “laughing gas.” Dr. Pannu and his team mix the gas with 50 to 70 percent oxygen. Don’t be fooled by it’s nickname, however. Under Nitrous oxide sedation, the patient won’t  laugh uncontrollably, but is able to breathe independently, remain in control of all bodily functions, be fully responsive, and enjoy comfortable dental care.

What are the benefits to using Nitrous oxide over other forms of sedation? With Nitrous oxide, the depth of sedation is adjustable. Inhalation of the gas is safe for the lungs and heart. Nitrous oxide begins working in just 20 seconds and wears off shortly after the procedure is finished without any “hangover” effect. Finally, because of its versatility, this sedation works well for a range of procedures and needs of patients, including a fear of the dentist, a strong gagging reflex, and the completion of several dental procedures in a short period of time.

At Pannu Dental Care, your safety and comfort are our top priority, so we will give you a five-minute trial at your consultation appointment to see if Nitrous oxide sedation is right for you. Dr. Pannu and his dental team are highly trained in the administering of sedation, and you will be closely monitored throughout your procedure to ensure your safety. 

For more information about Nitrous oxide and how it can help you with your dental care needs, call the Pannu Dental Care office closest to you to reserve an appointment with Dr. Dalvir Pannu. We have offices located in Cupertino, Dublin, Fremont, and San Jose, California.

Fear of the Dentist Tops the Charts; Let Your California Dentist Help

Dental phobia and fear are very real. In fact, according to a recent piece of research by the British Dental Health Foundation, visiting the dentist makes people more nervous than snakes or spiders.

While this statistic may be hard to believe, it’s true! In the lead up to National Smile Month 2011, the Foundation asked 1,0004 people what makes them the most nervous from a list including heights, flying, injections, doctors, snakes, spiders, going to the hospital, and visiting the dentist. More than 1 in 5 people rated visiting the dentist as the thing that makes them the most nervous.

A fear of heights topped the poll of biggest fears, closely followed by visiting the dentist and going to the hospital. Snakes were ranked fourth, while spiders came fifth.

Clearly, a large number of people suffer from fear of the dentist, and, unfortunately, that means that people are not getting the care they need simply because they’re afraid.

Dr. Dalvir Pannu, a cosmetic, general, and restorative dentist, can offer an effective solution: sedation dentistry.

With several sedation methods to choose from, you can feel relaxed and comfortable throughout your dental procedure. At your sedation dentistry consultation, Dr. Pannu will talk with you about your concerns and medical history. Then, he will discuss sedation options that best suit your situation and needs.

Together, you and Dr. Pannu will design a treatment plan that only has you anxious about seeing your brand new smile, not anxious about the procedure itself.

Call Pannu Dental Care, located in Fremont, San Jose, Cupertino, and Dublin, California for more information about sedation dentistry and how to overcome dental fear.