Nitrous oxide, sometimes referred to as “laughing gas,” is an effective and safe sedation agent that is inhaled through a mask that fits over your nose to help you relax. Mixed with oxygen, Nitrous oxide allows you to breathe normally through your nose and within minutes you should start to feel the effects. You may feel light-headed or a tingling in your arms and legs. Some patient’s comment that their legs and arms feel heavy. Ultimately, you should feel comfortable and calm. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off quickly after the small mask is removed. Talk to the doctor about whether nitrous oxide would be a good option for you.

IV Sedation, also called general anesthesia, uses medications to allow the patient to go to sleep while receiving dental treatment. Patients with high levels of anxiety or with special needs may benefit from IV Sedation.  General anesthesia can also be a good option for patients with extensive tooth decay or for patients who are undergoing surgical dental procedures.  The doctor can discuss the risks and benefits of general anesthesia to help you decide if this is a good choice for your child.

Dr. Patrick D. McCarty is a Dentist Anesthesiologist. He is a graduate of Boston College, the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and completed a residency in Anesthesiology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, in New York City.

Dr. McCarty is Board Certified as a Diplomate of the American Dental Board of Anesthesiology & the National Dental Board of Anesthesiology. Dr. McCarty is also a member of the American Society of Dentist Anesthesiologists & the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology.

In 2007, Dr. McCarty relocated home to New England, where he now provides sedation/anesthesia services in many dental offices throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Dr. McCarty’s patient population includes both children and adults – especially those who are medically compromised and/or dental phobic. In addition, he is on the Anesthesia Staff at the Franciscan Hospital for Children, serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine Department of Pediatric Dentistry and as a Visiting Instructor for Tufts University School of Dental Medicine Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery. The primary goal of Dr. McCarty’s practice is to make safe and effective anxiety and pain control widely available to the public. More information regarding Dr. McCarty’s office based mobile anesthesia practice can be found at www.zzzdmd.com.