Dental anaesthesia is the numbing of a tooth and its surrounding tissues so that treatment can be carried out comfortably for the patient. The type and depth of anaesthesia are chosen according to the procedure, from a small filling to oral surgery. For patients who feel anxious about dental treatment, nitrous oxide conscious sedation is an option that helps them stay calm throughout. At our clinic in Denizli, Turkey, the most suitable approach is agreed with you at your consultation.
- Topical numbing gel or spray helps the injection feel much milder
- Intraligamentary anaesthesia numbs only the tooth, not the lip, cheek or tongue
- You stay awake and able to talk during nitrous oxide sedation
- The effects of nitrous oxide wear off within minutes of stopping the gas
Treatment process
Assessment
Your general health, medication and any worries about treatment are discussed, and the most suitable anaesthesia method is chosen.
Surface numbing
A topical anaesthetic spray, gel or cream is applied where the injection will be given.
Local anaesthesia
Local anaesthetic is given using the technique suited to the tooth's position; treatment begins only once the tooth is fully numb.
Conscious sedation if needed
For anxious patients, and where the dentist considers it appropriate, a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen is breathed through a small nose mask to help you relax.
After treatment
Avoid eating, hot drinks and biting your lip, cheek or tongue until the numbness wears off; children should be supervised during this time.
Why is anaesthesia so important in dentistry?
Anaesthesia is an essential part of modern dentistry. Numbing the tooth and surrounding tissues with different techniques makes treatment far easier and more comfortable for both patient and dentist.
The type and depth of anaesthesia vary with the procedure. The aim is for everything from minor treatments to more extensive surgery to be completed comfortably for the patient.
Topical (surface) anaesthesia
Topical anaesthetics, usually a spray, gel or cream, act only on the surface where they are applied. They are placed on the gum before a local anaesthetic injection, or around very loose baby teeth.
Because the surface is numbed first, the local anaesthetic injection that follows is felt much less.
Local anaesthesia
Local anaesthesia is one of the foundations of dentistry. It is given using different techniques depending on which jaw the tooth is in and where it is located.
Once the tooth is confirmed to be numb, procedures such as extractions, fillings and root canal treatment can be carried out comfortably. The quality of the anaesthetic used also plays an important part in how effective the numbing is.
Intraligamentary anaesthesia
This technique is used when standard local anaesthesia may be less reliable because of anatomical variation. The anaesthetic is delivered into the ligament space surrounding the tooth.
- It numbs only the tooth being treated, without numbing the lip, cheek or tongue.
- Patients do not experience the swollen, numb feeling in the face afterwards.
- The delivery device does not look like a conventional syringe, which can help children who are frightened of needles.
Conscious sedation with nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
Nitrous oxide is a gas breathed in together with pure oxygen to reduce fear and anxiety during dental treatment. Commonly known as laughing gas, it has a calming effect that continues for as long as it is inhaled, and it is widely used in dentistry and many other areas of medicine.
Features of conscious sedation
- You remain conscious: unlike general anaesthesia, you stay awake throughout, can talk and can answer questions. This is a key part of what makes the method safe.
- Quick onset: it takes effect within a few minutes, and tension gives way to relaxation.
- Fast recovery: once the gas is stopped, it leaves the body through breathing within 3–5 minutes and the effects disappear.
- Mild and controlled: it is a mild sedative with no toxic effect and leaves no lasting effect in the body.
Nitrous oxide sedation may not be suitable for some medical conditions, so your medical history is reviewed beforehand. It provides conscious sedation, not general anaesthesia, and does not replace local anaesthesia; the two are usually used together.
Conscious sedation for children
Nitrous oxide conscious sedation can help ease children's fears about dental treatment and turn a visit into a more positive experience.
Each child needs a different level of sedation. The dentist determines this level and monitors the child closely throughout treatment. You are welcome to ask any questions about nitrous oxide at your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What is nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is breathed in with oxygen to reduce fear and anxiety about dental treatment. It has a calming effect for as long as it is inhaled.
Is nitrous oxide safe?
Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative that has long been used in dentistry; it has no toxic effect and leaves the body quickly. As it may not suit every patient, your medical history is reviewed before it is used.
Is nitrous oxide safe for children?
Conscious sedation is regarded as a safe and effective way to ease children's dental fears. Each child needs a different level, which the dentist determines.
Will I be asleep during sedation?
No. With conscious sedation you stay awake, can talk and can respond to questions. This is the main difference from general anaesthesia.
How quickly does sedation wear off?
Once the gas is stopped, nitrous oxide leaves the body through breathing within 3–5 minutes. Numbness from local anaesthesia may last a little longer.
I am very nervous about dentists. Can I still have treatment?
Yes. Simply share your concerns with your dentist at the consultation. Topical anaesthesia, the right local technique and, if needed, nitrous oxide conscious sedation can all help make treatment more comfortable.
I'm afraid of the dentist. How can I overcome it?
This fear is usually seen in people who have had a bad experience in the past. Decay and gum disease need more demanding treatment as they progress, so seeking care early matters; an abscessed tooth, for example, may not respond fully to anaesthetic. Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, treatment is usually carried out without pain; if sensitivity remains, more anaesthetic is given and treatment does not continue while you still feel it. Where appropriate, treatment can also be carried out under conscious sedation with nitrous oxide.
The information on this website is for general information only and does not replace an examination, diagnosis or treatment plan by a dentist. Treatment and outcomes vary from person to person.