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Stephen M. Buchanan, D.D.S.
Comfortable Dentistry*
 Dr. Stephen Buchanan's office feels that patient comfort, and relaxation is of the upmost importance 2nd only to our highest standard of dental care. We use different safe
methods to ensure that your experience in our office is as painless as possible.
From comfortable, pleasant rooms  to our professional and understanding staff, our goal is to take care of your dental health in as gentle a manner as possible.
As part of our gentle approach, our comfortable dentistry uses nitrous oxide. What Is Nitrous Oxide? It
is a popular anesthetic agent used by dentists. Nitrous Oxide can be used for all ages and is used mixed with oxygen. It has a very calming, comforting effect, even
though the patient remains in control. Some dental experts have called it the "ideal anesthetic" because it takes effect in less than 5 minutes and because there
is a rapid recovery time (about 5 to 10 minutes).
In addition to the sedative effect, it helps control the discomfort associated with
some dental procedures. The level of sedation can be easily adjusted for the best possible effect for each individual patient.
We recommend using Nitrous Oxide to assist a variety of situations:
- Some people tend to be anxious when they anticipate a dental visit. Nitrous
oxide seems to be especially effective in helping to relieve this anxiety.
- It is also very helpful for those people who seem to have an "overactive gag reflex".
- It simply helps you to relax, and a relaxed patient helps the dentist work.
- Nitrous oxide also is a valuable tool for pain control.
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Steve Buchanan D.D.S., our
dentist, is a "Specialist In Gentleness". Here you see him working with a patient, while the patient relaxes and watches T.V. in one of our light and airy rooms.
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It may be used alone or with other pain control methods to achieve the very best effect for the patient.
One of the advantages we have found when using nitrous oxide is that it is a conscious anesthetic. This
means that you will be awake and in control throughout the process. This is comforting to those people who have a fear of being out of control. And, because you
are conscious, you are able to communicate throughout the procedure. You can even tell us if you experience any uncomfortable sensations.
Nitrous oxide can be stopped at any time, and within five minutes you will feel like you did before nitrous
oxide was started. Everyone responds a bit differently to all chemical compounds so an advantage of nitrous oxide is that the dosage can be adjusted quickly and safely for each individual patient.
Here's how we do it:
- Your blood pressure and pulse may be taken before beginning nitrous oxide,
- You are comfortably seated,
- A small mask fits over your nose.
- Nitrous oxide is then given through that mask.
- You are observed carefully by myself and my staff all through this procedure.
There are some instances in whi ch we do not use Nitrous oxide. For example,
those patients with severe anxiety may need other agents to help them since nitrous oxide is only a mild sedative. We also prefer not to use it with children who are not old enough to understand what
is happening. Also, we may not use it with other patients who have comprehension or communication difficulties. And, finally, using nitrous oxide during pregnancy may not be appropriate.
In summary, nitrous oxide is a conscious sedation - you are in control. It is a time-tested, safe, and
effective method of relieving discomfort and anxiety that sometimes accompanies a dental visit. We believe that an informed, relaxed
patient contributes greatly to effective dental care. When you are relaxed, we can get the job done more easily in less time for you.
However, Nitrous oxide anesthesia is but one of the many ways that we strive to
make your dental visit pleasant and effective. We continually strive to make you feel at ease, comfortable, and safe through out your visit. It is our job to not only to
do the best we can to care for your teeth and gums, but to do so in a pleasant and comfortable manner.
If you have any questions about any aspect of Gentle Dentistry, please feel free to ask us.
*Exerpts from:
1. Laverick, Walter P. "Nitrous Oxide in Dentistry,"
Clark's Clinical Dentistry. Philadelphia:
J. B Lippincott, 1991
*1994/1998 HMI Practice Resource Vicksburg, MS #60245
This brochure is protected by U.S. copyright laws.
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