Multiple studies have revealed that up to 75% of U.S. adults experience some type of anxiety when it comes to dental care. The team at Weldon Dental of Rome understands that nerves and fear can prevent many people from getting the treatments they require, which is why we are empathetic and make every effort to prioritize your comfort. It all starts with your new patient paperwork and dental history, where you are able to share these concerns even before your appointment if you would like. We have comfortable, private rooms for you to share any concerns you may have and discuss these with our team. We have brand new, top of the line ADEC equipment to make for a comfortable experience while in our chair and our assistants are happy to grab you a warm blanket to help you feel even more at home. Communication is key and you are involved in all of the decisions regarding your care. We take our time getting to know each patient and their concerns and goals regarding their dental care.
When needed, we can offer prescription medications as well as nitrous oxide for your cleanings or more complex treatment to help you feel calm and relaxed while taking care of your smile.
Whether you are coming in for a cleaning or are interested in getting dental implants, our sedation options can help you relax while getting the healthy, eye-catching smile you deserve.
Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a mild, effective, and fast-acting form of dental sedation. As a result, it’s a great option for patients who struggle with dental anxiety, who have a fear of needles, or who need extensive dental work. If you think you’d benefit from adding it to your treatment plan as well, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! In the meantime, you can read on to learn more about this calming solution.
As we mentioned above, dental nitrous oxide in Rome has many uses, starting with helping patients with dental anxiety relax comfortably in the treatment chair. If you are interested in this calming solution, then we will need to review your medical and dental history as well as any allergies you have. If you are allergic, you’re pregnant, or you have a breathing condition, like asthma, then nitrous oxide is not ideal. If that’s the case, don’t get discouraged – we’ll work together to find a way to give you the positive, relaxing experience you deserve at our office.
Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is administered through a small nasal mask. After a few minutes, you’ll feel the effects set in. Patients often describe it as feelings of warmth and slight euphoria, but it also helps slow racing thoughts and decrease any sense of physical discomfort. In fact, while nitrous oxide doesn’t put you to sleep, you may feel so relaxed that you doze off in the treatment chair! If that’s okay with you, we’ll let you relax while we provide the preventive or restorative care you need.
Once the procedure is over, we’ll switch off the nitrous oxide, allowing you to breathe fresh oxygen again. It won’t take long for the effects to dissipate either. So, you don’t need to arrange for someone to drive you home or take the rest of the day off of work! Instead, you can resume your day without any lingering effects. Just make sure to follow any aftercare instructions we provided, like changing the gauze pads as needed or sticking to a soft foods diet.
Yes, sedation dentistry is very safe when administered by trained professionals like Dr. Weldon or Dr. Leigh. Even when they do occur, the side effects of sedation dentistry are often mild and short-lived.
Our team specializes in the use of nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” which is widely recognized as one of the safest forms of sedation. It's been used for decades to help patients—from children to seniors—relax in the dental chair.
The gas takes effect quickly and wears off within minutes once the mask is removed. As a trusted sedation dentist in Rome, we closely monitor you throughout your entire visit, so you can focus on your treatment.
Sedation with nitrous oxide is like floating on a cloud. It creates a gentle, calming effect that runs through your entire body, making you feel less sensitive overall. Most patients describe the feeling as light, warm, or slightly tingly. Others say they experience a sense of giddy euphoria, which is where the gas got its nick name.
Once the gas takes effect, any feelings of anxiety or discomfort will drift away, but importantly, you’ll remain awake and able to respond to questions. At Weldon Dental of Rome, we carefully control the dosage during your treatment, so we strike a balance between feeling safe and being aware.
Once the mask is removed, the effects wear off quickly, letting you continue your day without any drowsiness or lost sensations.
Coverage for sedation dentistry depends on your insurance plan, but nitrous oxide is often considered a “luxury” or elective service. This means many policies don’t include it unless it is deemed medically necessary for things like complex procedures or patients with severe anxiety.
Before your visit, our team will check your benefits, explain any out-of-pocket costs, and help you review payment options. Though our practice is out-of-network, we’ll gladly file claims on your behalf. Even without coverage, nitrous oxide is still an affordable way to make dental care stress-free.
One of the best features of nitrous oxide is how controlled and predictable it is. Sedation begins within just a few minutes of inhaling the gas and once the nose mask is removed, the effects wear off quickly. In fact, most patients feel completely normal within five to ten minutes, which means you can safely drive yourself home after your appointment.
If you’re worried about how long sedation might last, let us know. Our team at our Rome dental office will talk you through the treatment to set your mind at ease. Your comfort is our number one priority whether you’re in the dental chair or just scheduling an appointment.
Weldon Dental of Rome can be found along Martha Berry Blvd NE, near the intersection of N 5th Ave and W 11th Street. We’re only minutes away from the Publix Super Market at Charles High Square, Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center, and Heritage Park. If you see Divine Salon & Spa or The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, you’re in the right place! We can’t wait to welcome you in soon and help you get started on a brighter, healthier smile.
