Dr. Schmieder’s main concern is the comfort of his patients. Therefore, his goal is to ensure that each patient feels at ease and has a pain-free experience.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide or what is also referred to as “laughing gas” can safely be used to control a patient’s pain and anxiety. This type of dental pain management is also known as inhalation sedation using nitrous oxide (N20) and oxygen (02). Nitrous oxide kills pain and creates a pleasurable feeling after about five minutes of breathing in the gas. A patient will also typically need a local anesthetic to numb the site where the dentist will be working.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) identifies nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation sedation as a safe and effective technique to reduce anxiety in children.

What are the benefits of using nitrous oxide?

• Nitrous oxide works very quickly.
• No injection is required.
• There are very few side effects.
• The level of sedation can be manipulated, even stopped and switched back on at any moment.
• There is no “hangover” effect as the gas is eliminated from the body within 3 to 5 minutes of shutting off the gas. No driver is needed.
• It’s easy to give small doses as the dentist has total control over the action of the drug.
• For gum procedures, nitrous oxide is ideal as it works on soft tissues such as gums.
• Nitrous oxide has been effective in eliminating or reducing a severe gag reflex.

Besides those patients with dental anxiety, nitrous oxide may also be appropriate for people who:

• Have a low pain tolerance
• Have extra sensitive teeth
• Have a sensitive gag reflex
• Need an extensive amount of dental work

Are there any disadvantages?

• Some patients may not be comfortable using nitrous oxide as they are fearful that the effects will make them “lose control.” This is rare and usually due to over sedation.
• Some patients may worry about the gas making them nauseous. This too is usually due to over sedation. If this is a concern, it is recommended that the patient eat something before the appointment so that their stomach is not empty.
• If the patient cannot breathe through his/her nose for any reason, nitrous should not be used.
• Depending on where you live, licensed dentists who perform inhalation sedation can be difficult to find

General Anesthesia

Dr. Schmieder’s main concern is the comfort of his patients. Therefore, his goal is to ensure that each patient feels at ease and has a pain-free experience. General anesthesia is available at Scenic Drive Dental for our appropriate patients. We use the St. Louis-based company Premier Dental Anesthesiology that provides anesthesiologists to area dental offices. Each case is personally performed by board certified physicians along with a nurse or anesthesiologist assistant. Learn more at their website http://www.premierdentalanesthesiology.net

Complete sedation can be beneficial in treating children, special needs patients and the severely nervous or anxious patient. Premier Dental directly bills the patient’s insurance company.