OptionNitrous oxide available
PaceBreaks any time
StartFirst visit can be just a chat
In short
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is a mild sedative you breathe through a small mask over your nose while Dr. Malik works. It takes the edge off fear, and it lets people who have avoided the dentist for years get the work done.
Does this sound like you?
- You have not seen a dentist in years because the thought of it makes you anxious.
- A past visit hurt or felt rushed, and you have not been back since.
- You gag easily, so X-rays, impressions or cleanings are hard to get through.
- Needles or the sound of the drill make you tense up or feel faint.
- You have a lot of work to do and want to get through longer visits calmly.
From lightest to strongest
Most nervous patients start at the top of this list and never need the bottom.
- 1LightestA visit that is only a conversation
For anyone who has not been in years or does not know what they are walking into. You sit in the chair with the door open, Dr. Malik looks, and you ask whatever you want.
- Tell us when you book that this is a talk, not treatment.
- Bring your medication list and any old X-rays if you have them.
- You leave with a written list: what is urgent, what can wait.
- 2LightBreaks and a hand signal
For people who feel trapped once the work starts. Before anything begins you agree on a signal, and raising your hand means the tools come out of your mouth.
- Breaks are yours to call, as many as you need.
- Dr. Malik says what he is about to do before he does it.
- Music or headphones are fine; bring your own.
- 3StrongerNumbing done slowly
For people whose fear is the needle itself. A numbing gel goes on the gum first, then the freezing is given in small amounts over a minute or two rather than all at once.
- You feel pressure, usually not a sharp sting.
- Dr. Malik tests the area before he starts and adds more if you feel anything.
- Freezing usually lasts two to four hours afterwards.
- 4StrongestNitrous oxide (laughing gas)
For people who cannot settle even with the steps above, or who gag easily. Dr. Malik gives it himself through a small nose mask and turns it up or down during the visit.
- It is used on top of freezing, not instead of it.
- Works within a few minutes; the level is adjusted to you.
- Costs more than the other options; plans often cover part.
Five things to know about laughing gas
Nitrous oxide is the only sedation offered here; anything deeper is referred out.
It feels like being a bit removedWarm, light and slightly distant, as if the room is further away. Sounds are duller. Some people giggle; most just feel calm.
It wears off in minutesOnce the mask switches to plain oxygen, the gas leaves your body within about five minutes. You are usually back to normal before you reach the front desk.
Not everyone can have itA blocked nose or bad cold means you cannot breathe it in. Some lung conditions and early pregnancy usually rule it out too. Dr. Malik goes through your history before offering it.
You can usually drive homeMost people are clear to drive after sitting for a few minutes. If you feel at all off, you wait, and the LRT stops out front if you would rather not.
Children can usually have itIt is one of the most common ways to help a child through a filling. The child has to keep the nose mask on and breathe through their nose, so it suits some children better than others.
Cost and insurance.
Nitrous oxide is billed on top of whatever treatment you are having, so the number of visits depends on the work, not the sedation. Many dental plans cover part of the cost of nitrous oxide; some do not. We bill your insurance directly. You see the estimate in writing before anything starts. No insurance? We tell you the cost up front.
Questions people ask.
What does laughing gas feel like?
Most people feel warm, a bit floaty and less bothered by what is going on around them. You stay awake, hear everything and can answer questions. Some people notice a tingle in their hands or feet; it passes once the mask comes off.
Can I drive after nitrous oxide?
In most cases, yes. The gas leaves your body within minutes of breathing oxygen at the end, so most people do not need a driver. If you feel off, you sit until you feel clear, and the LRT is out front if you would rather not drive.
Can my child have laughing gas?
Usually, yes. It is commonly used with children, and Dr. Malik decides with you based on your child's age, health and how they manage the mask.
Do I have to be sedated to be treated as a nervous patient?
No. Many nervous patients never use the gas. Going slowly, explaining each step, agreeing on a stop signal and taking breaks is often enough.