Not sure why it’s not standard everywhere—maybe they just want us to suffer a little for our crooked teeth?
I’ve wondered about that too. My kid had to get a baby tooth pulled last month, and I practically begged for nitrous but the dentist said it “wasn’t necessary.” Meanwhile, my child was white-knuckling the chair. I don’t get why some places are so stingy with it—it’s not like we’re asking for spa treatments, just a little less trauma. Maybe insurance doesn’t always cover it? The quick recovery is such a plus, especially when you have to wrangle a groggy child after.
I hear you—nitrous made a huge difference for me during my own root canal, so I don’t get why it’s treated like some rare luxury. Insurance is definitely one factor; some plans just won’t pay for it unless it’s “medically necessary,” whatever that means. But honestly, who decides what counts as necessary? Kids especially could use a little extra comfort. I’ve also noticed some dentists just aren’t fans of using it, maybe because of the extra setup or training. Still, I’d take a few minutes of paperwork over a traumatized kid any day.
I totally get where you’re coming from. I’m actually scheduled for my very first root canal next week and the whole idea has me pretty freaked out. When I asked about nitrous, my dentist kind of brushed it off, saying it’s “not always necessary” and that local numbing works fine for most people. But honestly, that’s not really comforting when you’re already anxious.
A friend of mine had nitrous for a wisdom tooth extraction and said it made the whole thing way less terrifying. I don’t really see why it should be considered some big deal or “luxury” either—especially if it helps people get through something stressful without panicking. I did some digging and apparently, in some places, dentists have to jump through extra hoops to offer it, like special licenses or equipment. That just seems like a hassle they’d rather avoid.
I’m still debating whether to push harder for it or just try to tough it out. But yeah, I’d rather fill out a few extra forms than spend the whole appointment white-knuckled in the chair...
I’m still debating whether to push harder for it or just try to tough it out. But yeah, I’d rather fill out a few extra forms than spend the whole appointment white-knuckled in the chair...
Can’t blame you for wanting the nitrous. Anxiety is no joke in that chair, and honestly, “local numbing works fine for most people” doesn’t really address how different everyone’s stress level is. It’s not just about pain—sometimes it’s about not feeling trapped or panicky.
I’ve had a couple root canals, and the first time I tried to just grit my teeth (no pun intended). Regretted it halfway through. The second time, I asked for nitrous and they gave me the same line about it “not being necessary.” I pushed back a bit and said I’d pay whatever extra, and suddenly it was available. Not sure if that’s always the case, but it made a huge difference for me—felt like I was floating above the whole thing instead of counting ceiling tiles trying not to freak out.
It does seem weird that something so simple can be treated like some big deal. But yeah, there’s paperwork and sometimes extra cost or insurance hoops. Still, if it helps you get through the procedure without a panic attack, what’s the harm? Dentists probably see so many patients who are fine with just local that they forget how rough it is for some of us.
If you’re really anxious, there’s nothing wrong with advocating for yourself. Worst case, they say no again and you decide what you’re comfortable with. Best case, they realize you’re serious and set it up. Either way, don’t feel like you have to “tough it out” just because that’s what works for other people.
Root canals aren’t fun but they’re survivable—especially if you can get whatever makes it less miserable. Good luck next week.
if it helps you get through the procedure without a panic attack, what’s the harm?
Honestly, that’s how I look at it too. The only thing that holds me back is the extra cost—my insurance barely covers the basics, and “luxuries” like nitrous are all out of pocket. Still, after one bad drilling session where I tried to tough it out, I’d rather pay a bit more than spend the day recovering from stress. Sometimes peace of mind is worth budgeting for, even if it means skipping takeout for a week.