Do I NEED Nitrous oxide for fillings?

Question

Just got the unpleasant news that I have a couple of cavities. While perusing the bill I noticed that my insurance doesn't cover the laughing gas. Now, I have been on laughing gas before when I had a few teeth pulled, but didn't really notice any effects at all. I'm asking this because my dentist wants to charge me $52 for it, which I think is insane. Of course my dentist told me I would probably want it, but I expected that, I wouldn't be surprised if he made upwards of $45 for every time someone wanted it...

Mainly, is it something that is required, and if not, do you think I would make it terribly unpleasent?

They are still going to use Novocaine (or whatever they call it now) I'd be crazy to use absolutely no antiseptic at all.

The total cost of the bill is $111.00 of that, $52 is the laughing gas. If I don't use the laughing gas that brings the bill down to $60 something dollars. I am so very tempted...

Answer 1

I've had too many fillings in my life and never once was given nitrous oxide. My Dentists have always just injected Novocaine in my gums, tested for numbness and if I felt pain when they they were working they would add a little more.

I would assume insurance covers this...mine does. And it should be more than adequate for fillings. If you've never had it before then you'll likely feel weird briefly afterwards from the numb feeling in my lips and that area, and the tingling as it wears off. But it's nothing horrid...just be careful when drinking etc. But I see no reason not to take this route. I think you'll do fine with it! I always have. The only time I was knocked out was when I had my wisdom teeth done. But Novacaine was enough for a root canal so am sure it will be enough for fillings.

Good luck and sure you'll do fine!!! (Not that the dentist is ever fun).

Answer 2

my dentist does not give me nitrous, just a local anesthesia via a shot.
i would strongly suggest against getting a filling without any kind of numbing agent as it was extremely painful the time he started a filling before the local had kicked in.
in the world of medical insurance that i work in, $52.00 is not very much.

though, what i would do if i were you is submit the bill to your insurance company for an appeal. it usually just takes a letter on your part referencing the claim and an explanation that the anesthesia is required.

Answer 3

No, nitrious oxide does not have any effect on pain. That's what the topical anesthetic and injected anesthetic is for. Using nitrous oxide is kinda like getting intoxicated before a procedure. Most offices use it for anxious patients. Some just use it to beef up your dental bill.

Answer 4

The last dentist I went to didn't even offer it and the dentist I went to before that quit giving it to you after you turned 18 unless you requested it. So I guess you don't need it just the novocaine shot should be sufficient.

Answer 5

I don't think that you need gas or anesthesia or gas. Personaliy I don't let any of them during filling operation. If it's too deep you prefer anastesia via injection. Many people don't want to feel but I belive it's beter to feel what they're doing. lay down and relax. Most of pain is psychological because of vibration or fear. Except root canal and extraction , these cause untolerable pains.

Answer 6

I would never take it. I am one of the few people who had some type of allergic reaction to it, I guess. I almost didn't make it home. When I finally got home and laid down, I could see my body floating beside me. It was some type of hallucination. Never had anything like that before or after.

Another dentist told me that a veterinarian patient of his "went to Heaven." He didn't die but thought he was in Heaven.

It was very scary.

Answer 7

MOST PEOPLE DON'T NEED THE GAS FOR SIMPLE FILLINGS.
UNLESS YOU HAPPEN TO VERY NERVOUS AND CAN'T SIT THROUGH A DENTAL FILLING W/O SQUIRMING, YOU PROBABLY CAN DO W/O IT.