Laughing gas
For those patients who feel the need for a higher level sedation than that provided by local anaesthetic the practice can help with the use of “happy gas” i.e.: nitrous oxide.
Nitrous oxide produces a sense of euphoria
similar to the effect of several alcoholic drinks. The effect wears off within 10 minutes of ceasing to breathe the gas and the good news is there’s no hangover. Nitrous oxide is a very safe drug with no known short term side effects. It certainly helps a great deal with relaxation and minor pain control. So while injections are still used they are virtually painless.
Another option is to have a general anaesthetic. These are done at St Andrews Hospital as a day visit. Many people with major work find this a very good alternative as in most cases all work required can be done in the one visit. And of course you will be asleep during the procedure! A through examination with xrays must be done prior to the GA to make sure that all problems are detected.
Your dentist can then provide you with an estimate of the cost and arrange a date and time to have the work completed. If you have private hospital insurance the cost of the day procedure is usually minimal.
Talk to your dentist at the Oral Experts Group for more details
