Flagler Dental Associates, the dental practice in Palm Coast, is now certified to offer Nitrous Oxide (N2O) sedation– otherwise known as laughing gas – to patients.
Erik J. Olson, one assistant and one hygienist have taken the Nitrous Oxide course at the University of Florida’s College of Dentistry. Olson is now a fellow in the International College of Oral Implantology. This requires a minimum of 75 hours of continuing education every five years, specifically in implant dentistry.
Dr. Jeremiah J. Mahoney and his assistant have received certification for Nitrous Oxide sedation and oral sedation through a DOCS Education course. DOCS Education has been offering courses throughout the United States and Canada to illustrate safe and effective techniques in oral and IV sedation dentistry since 1999. The school has instructed 17,000 dental professionals in these procedures, as well as instruction in emergency preparedness.
“We want our patients to feel comfortable when they come to see us,” Olsopn says. “It’s estimated that 30 percent of people fear the dentist, so in addition to the nitrous oxide, we also offer other oral anxiety reducing medications.”
The team learned the history and characteristics of N2O sedation, as well as the clinical protocol for the use of the gas. The doctors were trained on basic respiratory physiology, including the uptake and distribution of N2O, learning the state of anesthesia, and the pharmacology and physiology of N2O.
Mahoney and Olson are also CPR and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certified, as is the entire staff is involved in administering the N2O. Patients breathe in the gas. It is colorless, odorless, and when property administered, has no side effects. It reaches the brain within 20 seconds, and relaxation and pain-killing properties work in two to three minutes.
Flagler Dental Associates at 30 Office Park Drive has been serving the Flagler County community for over 40 years. Visit the office’s website here, or its Facebook page here. Call 386/446-3883 for appointments: Flagler Dental Associates is accepting new patients.
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