If dental anxiety is keeping you from getting the care you need, you may be surprised to learn that laughing gas could be the answer to much-needed relief during treatment. In fact, according to the American Dental Association, laughing gas is a safe and effective way to manage pain and anxiety in dentistry.

Learn more from the caring experts at Perry Smiles, including the answers to frequently asked questions.

What is Laughing Gas?

Laughing gas is nitrous oxide (N2O); a prescription medicine that helps ease pain and anxiety by slowing down your nervous system. Often combined with oxygen (O2) for sedation dentistry, it allows you to remain awake—but deeply relaxed—as your dental team works on your teeth. 

While its effects vary from person to person, laughing gas is named for the way it makes most people feel giggly. It can also make you feel:

• Groggy
• Happy
• Relaxed
• Slightly euphoric

The process is quite simple: You breathe in laughing gas through a nosepiece or mask. It works quickly, kicking in about three to five minutes after you first breathe it in. It also stops acting quickly, leaving your system about five to 10 minutes after the gas flow stops.

Is Laughing Gas Safe for Children? 

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says that laughing gas is safe and effective when used appropriately in children older than three years. Laughing gas for kids at the dentist can have many positive effects, including allowing the dentist to conduct cleanings and procedures with ease.

Who Shouldn’t Use Laughing Gas? 

One of the reasons laughing gas is popular is because it’s safe and effective for most people. However, it’s not right for everyone.

People who shouldn’t use laughing gas include people who:

• Are younger than three years
• Are in the first trimester of pregnancy 
• Have a history of substance abuse
• Have a stuffy nose
• Have a vitamin B12 deficiency
• Have certain respiratory or mental health conditions

You and your dentist will determine if laughing gas is right for you after a consultation and review of your personal and family health history.

What are the Risks of Laughing Gas? 

If you use laughing gas often, you may increase your risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. That’s why some dentists recommend a B12 supplement for their patients. But most people don’t experience any side effects of laughing gas.

Those who do encounter side effects may experience:

• Headache
• Irritability
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Laughing gas is risky when used recreationally. Only a dentist or trained health professional should administer laughing gas.

What are the Benefits of Laughing Gas? 

Laughing gas is fast-acting and short-lived, so if you do experience side effects, they often pass once the laughing gas is out of your system. One of the most significant benefits of laughing gas, though, is the number of patients who agree to treatment, knowing they will feel calm and relaxed throughout their procedure. Delayed dental treatment isn’t ideal because it can lead to damaged teeth and gums.

Want to Know If You Qualify for Laughing Gas?

Contact Perry Smiles today. Our kind and reliable team is well-trained in laughing gas administration and is eager to give you options to make your visit as calm and easy as possible.

Many people choose Invisalign^® clear aligners over traditional braces because they’re discreet. So, it’s no surprise that keeping them clean is top of mind. That’s why our experts are offering their favorite tips and tricks for keeping your aligners crystal clear.

1. Avoid Smoking and Chewing Gum

Smoking isn’t a good idea while wearing your Invisalign^® trays since it can stain them just as it does your teeth. Chewing gum can also be a problem since gum tends to stick to the trays and can be hard to remove.

2. Clean Your Trays Well—and Often

You don’t need to buy any special equipment or cleaners to clean your aligners. All you need is a soft bristle toothbrush, your favorite nonabrasive toothpaste, and cool water. Simply brush your aligners as you would your teeth. You can also buy Invisalign^® Cleaning Crystals through your dentist that remove plaque in about 15 minutes and help with odor as well. 

3. Remove Your Aligners When You Eat

Clean teeth and a wide-open diet are Invisalign^® perks since traditional braces can’t be removed and come with food restrictions. Removing your trays while eating is highly recommended. It’s also a good idea when you’re drinking dark beverages that can stain your trays. Just brush your teeth and rinse your trays before you put them back in.

Handling Tough Stains

Dark beverages (like coffee or tea) and foods (like tomato sauce or cherries) can stain Invisalign^® trays. So, the easiest way to avoid staining is to remove your trays before you eat, and brush your teeth before you put them back in.

Whitening toothpaste can’t remove stains on your trays, but Invisalign^® Cleaning Crystals may help. If they don’t, try soaking your trays in a mixture that’s equal parts hydrogen peroxide and lukewarm water for about 20 minutes.

Are You Interested in Invisalign^® Clear Aligners?

The expert and caring team at Perry Smiles is ready to help you straighten your teeth with Invisalign^®’s clear, removable aligners. Easy to maintain and discreet, these aligners are a great option for improving your smile. Call us for a consultation today.

Chances are, you need a root canal because your mouth hurts. And while you’re likely looking forward to the procedure that will end your pain, you’re probably also feeling some anxiety about the procedure itself. After all, the saying “I’d rather have a root canal” became commonplace for a reason, right? 

While people often equate “root canal” with “pain,” the purpose of the root canal procedure is actually to relieve your pain, as well as save your tooth and safeguard you from future infection. Still, no one wishes for a root canal. But the idea that they are deeply painful is a little more than a myth. 

From answering some of the most frequently asked questions to explaining how your dentist will keep you as pain-free as possible during your procedure, the experts tell all.

Why Do I Feel Pain Before Root Canal Treatment?

People need root canals for a variety of reasons. Infection and inflammation can develop when there’s a deep cavity, problems with a previous filling, or an injury (such as a cracked tooth). And these issues can make your teeth hurt, especially when the pain spreads to your other teeth, jaw, or face. You may also experience sensitivity to hot and cold, to the touch, or when biting or chewing.

Do Root Canal Tests Hurt?

You may need a root canal to remove bacteria (and ultimately save your tooth) if your tooth’s pulp becomes inflamed or infected. Before your root canal, your dentist will perform several tests that should be painless (or only mildly uncomfortable), including: 

• • Electric Pulp Test: This test sends a small electrical current through the tooth. Only healthy teeth will feel a slight tingling during this test while an infected, inflamed, or dead tooth will feel nothing.
  • Sensitivity Test: Your dentist may check for sensitivity by gently tapping on the tooth or subjecting it to cold spray.
  • Visual Exam: Your dentist will look for signs of swelling.
  • X-Ray: This pain-free imaging process helps the dentist better understand what’s happening inside your tooth. You will need a root canal if the X-ray shows the pulp is infected, inflamed, or dead.

How Is a Root Canal Performed and What Will I Feel?

If you’ve ever had a cavity filled, you can expect a similar experience when having a root canal. Your dentist will first apply some topical numbing cream to the area and then inject medication into the surrounding tissue to ensure you don’t feel anything during the procedure. Usually, people don’t even feel the injection because of the numbing cream. But those who do describe the feeling as a pinch.

When the procedure starts, you may feel some movement, pressure, and vibration. These sensations can be noticeable but aren’t painful, thanks to the anesthesia. 

What Can I Expect for Recovery?

Once the root canal is over and the anesthesia begins to wear off, you may experience discomfort, swelling, or sensitivity for a few days.

Do You Have a Sensitive Tooth?

At Perry Smiles, we prioritize your comfort when testing teeth for pulp inflammation or infection, and during any needed treatment. It’s always our goal to make you feel safe, comfortable and well cared for. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.