Pain Management and Nitrous Oxide in Toowoomba

Worried it will hurt? Ask us about nitrous oxide*, numbing gel, and going at your pace.

Tell us you're nervous when you book. Make an appointment or call (07) 4659 7347.

A lot of people put off the dentist because they're worried it will hurt. Some had a rough experience years ago. Some can't stand the needle, the sounds, or the feeling of lying back while someone works in their mouth. If that's you, you're in good company, and there's plenty we can do about it.

At Middle Ridge Family Dental, pain management starts before treatment does. We talk through what's going to happen, agree on a signal to stop, and work out the right way to keep you comfortable. For many nervous patients, that includes nitrous oxide*, often called happy gas.

Nitrous oxide (happy gas)

Nitrous oxide is a gas mixed with oxygen that you breathe through a small mask over your nose. It has been used in dentistry for a long time. You might also hear it called relative analgesia. At Middle Ridge, it's provided by Dr Neha and Dr Erick.

Within a few minutes, most people feel relaxed and a little lighter. Some notice tingling in their hands and feet, or a warm, heavy feeling. You stay awake the whole time. You can hear us, answer us, and raise your hand if you want to stop.

The dentist controls the mix and can adjust it during your appointment. When treatment is finished, you breathe oxygen for a few minutes to clear the gas.

What it is, and what it isn't:

• It helps you relax and takes the edge off discomfort. For treatment that needs it, we still numb the area with local anaesthetic. The two work well together, and many people find the injection easier once they're relaxed.
• It doesn't put you to sleep. Nitrous oxide is not a general anaesthetic. If your treatment needs you to be fully asleep, we'll refer you to a specialist.
• It's your choice. You don't have to use it. If you'd like it, let us know before your appointment so we can plan around it.

Who it can help

Nitrous oxide may suit you if:

• You feel anxious about dental treatment, or you've been avoiding the dentist because of it
• You have a strong gag reflex
• You're booked in for a longer appointment, like wisdom teeth removal or root canal treatment
• You find it hard to sit still in the chair for long

Nitrous oxide for children

Children aged 4 and over can have nitrous oxide, as long as it's suitable for them. We go through their health history and check their oxygen levels before we start. For eligible children, it can be claimed under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).

If it's your child's first time at the dentist, read our guide to a child's first dental visit.

When it might not be right

Nitrous oxide isn't suitable for everyone. Before recommending it, we go through your medical history and check your oxygen levels. Let us know if you:

• Are pregnant, or might be
• Have a blocked nose, a cold, or a sinus infection on the day (the gas is breathed in through your nose)
• Have a lung condition such as COPD
• Have had recent eye surgery involving a gas bubble, or recent middle ear surgery
• Have a vitamin B12 deficiency, or are taking Bleomycin drug
• Find a mask over your nose uncomfortable or claustrophobic

This isn't a complete list, which is why we check everything with you first. If nitrous oxide isn't a good fit, we'll find another way to keep you comfortable.

On the day

• Talk to us beforehand. Let us know before your appointment that you'd like nitrous oxide. Planning ahead means we can get as much treatment done as possible in that session.
• Have a light meal beforehand. Don't come in on an empty stomach. A little food keeps your blood sugar from dropping.
• Tell us how you're feeling. If you feel too light-headed or a bit sick, say so and we'll adjust it.
• Driving home. At the end of treatment you breathe oxygen for a few minutes to clear the gas, so you can drive yourself home afterwards.

Other ways we keep you comfortable

Nitrous oxide is one option. It's rarely the only one.

• Numbing gel before injections. We put it on first and give it time to work before the needle.
• Local anaesthetic. We wait until the area is properly numb, and check with you before we start.
• A stop signal. Raise your hand and we pause straight away.
• Knowing what's coming. We explain each step before we do it, in plain language.
• Going at your pace. Breaks when you need them. You're welcome to bring headphones.
• Looking after you afterwards. Some procedures leave you tender for a few days. We'll tell you what to expect, how to manage it at home, and prescribe medication if you need it.

If you're in pain right now, call us on (07) 4659 7347 or see our emergency dental page.

Cost

Nitrous oxide has a separate fee. We'll tell you what it is before your appointment, along with the cost of the rest of your treatment.

• For eligible children, it can be claimed under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS).
• It may also be covered by your health fund's extras cover. We can check your cover for you and process claims on the spot through Hicaps.

Frequently asked questions

Will I be asleep?
No. You'll feel relaxed, but you stay awake and aware, and you can talk to us the whole time. If you need to be fully asleep for treatment, we'll refer you to a specialist.

If I have nitrous oxide, do I still need an injection?
Often, yes. Nitrous oxide helps you relax and dulls discomfort, but many treatments still need local anaesthetic to numb the tooth. We'll tell you what to expect before we start.

Is nitrous oxide safe?
It has a long track record in dentistry. We go through your medical history and check your oxygen levels first, the dentist monitors you throughout, and you breathe oxygen at the end to clear the gas.

Can I drive home afterwards?
Yes. You breathe oxygen for a few minutes at the end of your appointment to clear the gas, and we make sure you feel back to normal before you leave.

Can my child have happy gas?
Yes, from age 4, as long as it's suitable for them. We check their health history and oxygen levels first using a pulse oximeter. For eligible children, it can be claimed under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule.

Is there an extra cost?
Yes, nitrous oxide has a separate fee, and we'll tell you what it is before your appointment. It can be claimed under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule for eligible children, and may be covered by your health fund.

How do I book it?
Talk to us before your appointment. Nitrous oxide is provided by Dr Neha and Dr Erick, and planning ahead means we can get as much done as possible in that session.

It's been years since I've seen a dentist. Where do I start?
Call us and tell us you're nervous. We'll factor that into how we approach your appointment from the start. There's no judgement about how long it's been. You can read more in our post on overcoming dental anxiety.