topic Re: Do you opt for gas when getting a dental procedure? in Community Chat

Do you opt for gas when getting a dental procedure?

San Antonio Gal — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:27:22 GMT

I've had some dental work done recently and I can honestly say that getting the gas has been a godsend. Normally, I'm terrified to go to the dentist, but the gas takes all the anxiety away during the procedure.

What about you? Do you need a little help or can you face the dentist cold turkey?

Re: Do you get gas when you go to the dentist?

Krimpette — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:12:55 GMT

I've never had gas for any procedure....not even bone grafts, implants, etc. Just plenty of novocaine! I've always had to drive myself, so I didn't want to be put to sleep and maybe having to have a driver to take me home.

Re: Do you get gas when you go to the dentist?

Bhvbum — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:20:03 GMT

The last thing I would want would be to put out cold during a dental procedure. I've had plenty of work done, but none of it hasn't been bearable, and certainly not pleasant.

I don't consider getting gas "a little help". But if it gets you to the dentist to get the work that you need done, then do what you need to do.

Re: Do you get gas when you go to the dentist?

vermint — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:18:59 GMT

@San Antonio Gal I'm OK for checkups, fillings and crowns--anything more makes me anxious--and I've noticed this increasing as I get older. I did have the gas once, and didn't really like it.

I'm having some "minor" gum surgery in September and this periodontist is new to me. After he finished telling me about the procedure, he said "you don't seem like the anxious type, but if you want I can give you a prescrition for something to take just in case." So he wrote me a scrip for Halcion.

The closer the surgery gets, the more I'm thinking about taking it! He didn't mention using gas, and I'm OK with that.

Re: Do you get gas when you go to the dentist?

faeriemoon — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:21:09 GMT

Why did my junior high brain immediately go to farting when I read the title of this thread?

Re: Do you get gas when you go to the dentist?

Caaareful Shopper — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:21:14 GMT

@San Antonio Gal You just gave me good chuckle! I saw this thread title and thought of something else entirely

Back to the question...no I've never gotten gas for a dental procedure, but I'd definitely consider it. My dentist is encouraging me to get my wisdom teeth out soon. Not looking forward to that at all.

Re: Do you get gas when you go to the dentist?

Caaareful Shopper — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:21:51 GMT

@faeriemoon you are not alone!

Re: Do you get gas when you go to the dentist?

gidgetgh — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:43:42 GMT

I am usually good at the dentist, except for one thing. Dental impressions. I have reached the point where, if I need another one in the future, I will need to be sedated. The second they put the tray in my mouth, I feel claustrophobic and I panic. It is pure torture for me. I mean that seriously. Panic city.

Fortunately, a lot of dentists now have the machine that scans the tooth, eliminating the need for the gooey tray. But last time I got a crown, I was told that only worked on the larger teeth, not the ones toward the front.

But then I was told at my last appt. That the scanner has been updated and now it pretty much does all teeth and that impressions are becoming more obsolete. For people like me, that would be a godsend.

Re: Do you get gas when you go to the dentist?

eadu4 — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:27:33 GMT

@San Antonio Gal I've never had gas. I have had wisdom teeth out, crowns, bone grafts, root canals etc, with just the lidocaine (they no longer use "novacaine" and havent for years). I never had any pain during any procedure (afterwards I was sore for some but nothing that wasn't managable). I understand the "fear" and I sympathize with those who suffer from it. I wouldn't want to be put to sleep. I want to be awake and if something goes wrong I want to know about it. I'm glad there are methods that allow people to feel comfortable to get the procedures they need but no way do I want to be knocked out.

Re: Do you get gas when you go to the dentist?

SoCal Bred — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:28:03 GMT

Just novocaine will do it for me, I've had my share of dental work done through the years, fillings, extractions, root canals.

Re: Do you get gas when you go to the dentist?

San Antonio Gal — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:28:36 GMT

@faeriemoon wrote:
Why did my junior high brain immediately go to farting when I read the title of this thread?

Lol @faeriemoon - thanks for letting me know. I changed it. Didn't realize it until you pointed it out!

Re: Do you opt for gas when getting a dental procedure?

San Antonio Gal — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:32:26 GMT

Just to let everyone know - the gas does not knock you out. You are 100% aware of what's going on. It just takes away the stress/anxiety. It has a very calming effect.

Re: Do you opt for gas when getting a dental procedure?

meallen616 — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:33:41 GMT

@San Antonio Gal,

Just novocaine for me,

Re: Do you get gas when you go to the dentist?

faeriemoon — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:48:07 GMT

@San Antonio Gal wrote:
@faeriemoon wrote:
Why did my junior high brain immediately go to farting when I read the title of this thread?
Lol @faeriemoon - thanks for letting me know. I changed it. Didn't realize it until you pointed it out!

@San Antonio Gal Sounds better!! But I did enjoy the giggle I got from the original!!

Re: Do you opt for gas when getting a dental procedure?

geezerette — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:51:26 GMT

I get it only when I have some extensive work done. And I've been going to the same place for so long now they know me so when I come in for those procedures they already have the equipment set up.😆

And you're right that the nitrous oxide does not "put you out". It merely helps to relax you. In fact, if I don't concentrate on relaxing myself, it doesn't have much effect at all.

When you're done with your procedure, the oxygen is turned on to full again and within a couple of minutes you're completely back to normal. No lingering side effects.

Re: Do you opt for gas when getting a dental procedure?

Desertdi — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:54:47 GMT

NEVER....not even for implants!

Re: Do you opt for gas when getting a dental procedure?

San Antonio Gal — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:56:36 GMT

@geezerette wrote:
I get it only when I have some extensive work done. And I've been going to the same place for so long now they know me so when I come in for those procedures they already have the equipment set up.😆

And you're right that the nitrous oxide does not "put you out". It merely helps to relax you. In fact, if I don't concentrate on relaxing myself, it doesn't have much effect at all.

When you're done with your procedure, the oxygen is turned on to full again and within a couple of minutes you're completely back to normal. No lingering side effects.

@geezerette - Thanks for explaining it so well.

@Bhvbum - The above post is why I said the gas is "a little help". You are not knocked out.

Re: Do you opt for gas when getting a dental procedure?

CANDLEQUEEN — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 13:02:54 GMT

My husbands niece got it last year when she had to had a lot of teeth pulled and be fitted for dentures. She said it was a lifesaver, as she was very very scared and the dr recommended it. She said she was awake and aware, but just very relaxed.

Re: Do you opt for gas when getting a dental procedure?

Eileen in Virginia — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 13:05:05 GMT

I had an awful dentist when I was a teenager and stayed away from going to the dentist until I couldn't avoid it any longer. When I finally went back as a college senior, I had 12 big cavities, many from fillings that had fallen out. A friend recommended a dentist who used a combination of novocaine and gas to re-fill my teeth, 6 in 2 visits. As you said, the gas just calmed me down so I wasn't a nervous wreck during the visits. They had me sit in the waiting room for about 15 or 20 minutes before leaving.

Based on that positive experience, I lost my fear of going to the dentist. I go twice a year for regular cleanings and checkups. I don't need anything for cleanings, but usually have novocaine for fillings, crowns and root canals. If a dentist suggested that I "tough it out" before a procedure, I'd be out of there in a heartbeat.

Re: Do you opt for gas when getting a dental procedure?

On It — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 13:05:23 GMT

I had gas once on the advice of the dentist. It is relaxing.