Fear of the Dentist?
You are not the only one, and you don’t have to apologize for it. At Nüvodent we take the time, explain everything before we do anything, and you hold the stop sign in your hand. If that’s not enough, laughing gas can help: for adults and children, at Sint-Jansplein in Antwerp.
Afraid of the dentist? This is how we handle it
Fear of the dentist often stems from a bad experience in the past, from feeling like you have no control, or simply from the sound and smell of a dental practice. Whatever the cause, it is no reason to postpone your care. Together we will find a way that works for you.
Many people already have enough of time, explanation and a stop sign. Those who need more can also choose laughing gas at our location on Sint-Jansplein.
Say it in advance
When making your appointment, mention that you are anxious. That way we will plan in more time and your dentist will already know about it before you sit down in the chair. You don't have to explain it on the spot.
Rest first, then treat
We work with anxious patients with a fixed schedule. Only when that is not sufficient do we discuss laughing gas.
Would you prefer to talk first? Then we arrange an introduction where there is no need to do anything. You can see the practice, meet your dentist and tell them what you are afraid of.
Your dentist tells you what will happen and shows you the instruments before they are used. No surprises.
We anesthetize the gums first with an ointment and then administer the anesthesia. That way you feel the sting less.
We agree on a sign together, for example by raising your hand. If you give it, we’ll stop immediately.
If the tension remains too high, or if a longer treatment is planned, laughing gas can help. Read below how that works..
Laugh gas at the dentist in Antwerp
Lachgas, or distichophth oxide, is always mixed with at least 50 percent oxygen by the dentist. You breathe it in through a small mask on your nose. It makes you calmer and time seems to go by faster. Some people feel a tingling sensation in their hands or feet, or a light, heavy, or floating feeling.
A few minutes after stopping, the effect disappears. At Nüvodent Sint-Jansplein we offer nitrous oxide for adults and children.
Laughing gas is not a sedative
You are not asleep. Your reflexes remain active, you can react at any time, and you can talk to your dentist. You can always ask for more or less nitrous oxide during the treatment, or for it to be stopped.
When does laughing gas help?
Laugh gas is not only for those who are afraid. It also helps with practical problems that make treatment difficult.
- Fear of the dentist. Especially if you had a bad experience in the past.
- A sensitive carotid reflex. Laughing gas noticeably dampens that reflex.
- Longer treatments. If it's difficult for you to stay still for long periods of time.
- Tense children. Usually from the age of four or five. Read more about children.
Laughing gas does not replace anesthesia
It takes away the pain, not the tension. For a treatment that requires anesthesia, you simply get it. With laughing gas, you usually feel the sting less.
How does a treatment with laughing gas work?
Expect about a quarter of an hour extra time before and after the treatment itself.
Your dentist will discuss your health and the medications you are taking. If you have any doubts, this is the time to ask about it.
You get a small nasal mask. First you breathe in oxygen alone.
The dentist gradually adds nitrous oxide until you feel relaxed. That takes a few minutes.
You breathe calmly through your nose. You are allowed to talk, but the less you breathe through your mouth, the better the laughing gas will work. An assistant keeps an eye on you the whole time.
After the treatment, you will receive a few minutes of pure oxygen. After that, you will remain in the practice for about a quarter of an hour, until you feel completely normal again.
Preparation and then
Before your appointment
- Eat a light meal a few hours before. Do not come with an empty stomach, nor when you are sober.
- Do you have a stuffy nose or are you constipated? Call us to arrange a transfer. Nasal spray does not work with a stuffy nose.
- When making the appointment, please mention that you want nitrous oxide, so that we can schedule the right time.
After the treatment
- Do not drive the car, bike or scooter yourself for the first two hours, and do not operate machinery.
- Come by public transport or have yourself brought there.
- After that, you can just go to work or study.
Is your child afraid of the dentist? Laugh gas for children
In most children, nitrous oxide is not necessary. Our pediatric dentists work with a fixed structure: introducing yourself without having to do anything, explaining and showing before we do anything, numbing the gums with an ointment before a needle prick, and a stop sign that your child can use themselves.
If that works, your child won't need laughing gas. If it doesn't work, or if a more extensive treatment is planned, we'll discuss laughing gas with you. Never the other way around.
Our approach with children- Your child stays awake. Laughing gas is not a sedative.
- Usually from 4 to 5 years of age. As soon as the mask stays on the nose.
- You stay here. In the treatment room, next to your child.
- Nothing is forced. If you don't want the child to wear the mask, we'll try it again next time.
How does an appointment with laughing gas for your child go?
The dentist asks about your child's health and any medication they are taking.
Your child can first look at the mask and put it on their own nose.
At first only oxygen comes out, then step by step laughing gas. After a few minutes your child feels calmer. Some children feel a tingling sensation in their hands or feet, or have to laugh.
Your child breathes through their nose and stays awake. The dentist and an assistant keep an eye on them the whole time. You are allowed to stay in the treatment room.
After the treatment, your child will receive a few minutes of pure oxygen. After that, you will stay with us for about another quarter of an hour until your child feels completely well again.
From what age?
Your child should be able to keep the mask on their nose and breathe through their nose calmly. This usually happens by the age of four or five. Younger children rarely achieve this, and then it is not worth it. The dentist will discuss with you whether it is suitable for your child.
Preparing your child
- Provide a light meal a few hours before the appointment. Not on an empty stomach, and not while you are still feeling hungry.
- Simply explain it: „You put a mask on your nose. Air comes out of it, and you become calm from it.”
- Avoid words like pain, prick or drill. We explain it in practical terms that your child understands.
- Plan a quiet afternoon after the appointment.
Is laughing gas safe? Side effects and costs
Lachgas with at least 50% oxygen has been used for decades, even in pediatric dentistry. However, it is not always the right choice in every situation. We always go over this in the pre-appointment discussion before anything happens.
When does the dentist choose a different approach?
- An ear infection or sinus infection.
- A deficiency of vitamin B12.
- A cold that prevents you from breathing freely through your nose.
- A serious lung disease or another serious illness.
- Adults: the first three months of pregnancy or a desire to become pregnant, or recently started taking (or changed the dose of) a sedative or sleeping pill.
- Children: if your child doesn't want to wear the mask on their nose.
Are you unsure? Ask your dentist.
Side effects
The most common side effect is nausea. Rarely, people feel dizzy, restless, or experience ear pain. These symptoms disappear within a few minutes after stopping.
Costs
Laugh gas is not reimbursed by the health insurance, not even for children. You pay a fixed amount per session, in addition to the treatment itself. We tell you in advance what the cost is.
Frequently asked questions about dental fear and laughing gas
Do you fall asleep from laughing gas?
Can I get to know you first without treatment?
Do I still need anesthesia with laughing gas?
Can I indicate myself that it is enough?
How quickly does laughing gas work?
Who is giving the laughing gas?
May I stay with my child?
What if my child doesn't want to wear the mask?
Can my child go to school afterwards?
Is laughing gas reimbursed?
In which practice can I go?
Take the first step at your own pace
Call or book online and let them know that you are anxious or that you want nitrous oxide. Would you rather talk first? Then we will schedule an appointment without treatment so that you can decide calmly.
Where can you go?
You can visit both practices if you have dental anxiety. Laugh gas can currently only be used at Nüvodent Sint-Jansplein.
Nüvodent Sint-Jansplein
Laughing gas available- Address
- Sint-Jansplein 51, 2060 Antwerp
- Phone
- +32 (0)3 344 33 32
Nüvodent Prins Albertlei
No laughing gas- Address
- Prins Albertlei 29, 2600 Berchem
- Phone
- +32 (0)3 344 33 32
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