Hi! I am scheduled for an apicoectomy a week from today and scared out of my mind! I've never had "laughing gas" (though I have some slight lung issues), so I'm scared of that, as well.
Does anyone have some advice on what to expect, what to do to prepare, etc. Can I request that just a normal sedative that the doctor sugested be used to "calm me" instead of the gas? he said that I'd be awake, but I've had lots of problems on "calming" meds such as Ambien (manic happy wacky behavior / memory loss, etc.) and I just don't feel comfortable with the gas.
Thanks a lot for answering - anyone who has any experience would be helpful!
2007-06-15 19:36:39 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Dental
I have had laughing gas and so have my husband and son, and none of us have ever had problems with it. It just calms you down. For me things sounded kind of psychedelic, but my vision was fine. My husband and son just felt really calm. I have lung issues, too and it did not harm me. You will be fine. Surgery is scary, but you'll be able to get through this. Talk to your Dr. about your concern if you want and see what they say, but if you've had problems with pills, then this would be a better option.
Good luck with your procedure!
2007-06-15 19:42:56 · answer #1 · answered by tsoto_soto 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing to be afraid of with nitrous oxide "laughing gas". It is very, very safe. You shouldn't self-medicate with ambien, xanax, valium, etc... in combination with laughing gas, you can achieve a state of general anesthesia and stop breathing. Not a great idea if not monitored by someone trained in anesthesia; i.e Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon or Anesthesiologist.
i would reconsider apicoectomy procedure and maybe have tooth removed and place a dental implant later. Apicoectomies are not painful or anything to be afraid of. The long term success of this procedure is poor, in my opinion unless done by an endodontist or oral surgeon with microscope.
Ask your dentist about dental implant as an alternative option that has a better track record.
2007-06-15 23:50:30 · answer #2 · answered by jawsurgeon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had many dental procedures throughout my life and for some of them I have been given "laughing gas". What happens is nothing to be afraid of. The gas makes you very relaxed. The upside of laughing gas is that after the gas has been taken away you "come to" very quickly, as opposed to taking some other kind of sedative. Other sedatives can last for several hours, which is something you probably don't want. Be sure to discuss the whole matter openly with your dentist, and also be sure to ask if he will give you something to deaden the pain of the procedure. Good luck to you and I hope everything turns out OK.
2007-06-15 19:48:35 · answer #3 · answered by Richard B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live a free life There is no fear of failure, as when I fail I know I will pass. No fear of people, what max can anyone do to me. No fear of death, since each day of life in nearing death which everyone knows. No fear of things, as they are not known to me.
2016-05-17 06:09:11 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here is some info on apcoectomies. http://www.dcendo.com/svcapico.htm. no sweat.
2007-06-15 19:41:55 · answer #5 · answered by demilspencer@yahoo.com 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
talk to your surgeon about your concerns.
2007-06-15 19:40:09 · answer #6 · answered by KitKat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋