Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide (N2O), more commonly referred to as “laughing gas,” is a mild sedative agent that safely and effectively manages pain and anxiety during dental treatment. The colorless and odorless nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose. Patients are asked to breathe normally and should feel the effects of the laughing gas within minutes.
Contrary to its name, laughing gas does not necessarily make you laugh. The nitrous oxide slows down your nervous system and makes you feel more relaxed. Ultimately, you should be calm and comfortable throughout the procedure. You might even giggle a time or two.
Dentists choose nitrous oxide because it is a safe and effective method for sedation. The laughing gas works quickly to relax patients, and the effects wear off quickly by breathing pure oxygen through a mask. Plus, the nitrous oxide does not put you to sleep, so you can hear and respond to any of the dentist’s questions or instructions. The effects of Nitrous Oxide wear off soon after the mask is removed, thus you can leave your appointment and drive back home.
Laughing gas can be a useful tool for easing anxiety and pain during dental procedures. Nitrous treatment is recommended for:
- Patients who are fearful, anxious, or uncooperative
- Patients with special health care needs
- Patients with gag reflexes that interfere with dental care
- Patients who do not respond adequately to local anesthesia
- Younger patients who must undergo lengthy dental procedures
If you think you might benefit from using nitrous oxide for your next appointment, please let us know.
Tom Spalding
13:30 05 Apr 23
Terrific experience. Dr. Tannous and her team are seasoned and up to date on tech plus also the latest patient comfort care practices and equipment. You can relax in the chair and know it’s about quality, thoroughness AND top-notch service. Highly recommended!
Marilyn Anderson
22:56 14 Apr 22
My husband and I are very pleased with Dr. Tannous and her staff. And that says something given how pleased we were in all ways with Dr. Halsema. It also says something given that I became a patient of Dr. Halsema years ago after calling an endodontist’s office asking for a referral after becoming decidedly unhappy with the dentist who’d taken over the practice of my previous dentist. The referral for Dr. Halsema was immediate and gushing. She was so good in all the ways you want, that we decided we’d make the a-little-over-an hour drive after our upcoming move 85 miles away rather than seek someone else closer. She was that worthy of the gushing.Regarding Dr. Tannous, my husband and I each had a couple appointments with Dr. Tannous before we moved, and we agreed we each were very pleased, and that we’d delay making any search for a new dentist closer to our new home. Now it’s more than a year later and we have no intention of looking for a dentist closer to us. Dr. Tannous... and the staff really are that good! Every single person we’ve dealt with has been excellent in all ways. Besides routine care, we’ve each had a bit of dental work done. Always, the information provided, and questions answered are done with genuinely caring attention. We’re each every bit as pleased with Dr. Tannous as we were with Dr. Halsema—and that says a lot. It’s well worth the drive time for exceptional care with a really good dentist we trust!read more
William Conyer
19:49 04 Oct 21
This dentist office is the best we've ever been to! They got us back quickly the doctor was very patient And professional. The dental assistant Haley was absolutely wonderful, she was kind and gentle And was very patient when explaining everything she was doing. The front desk staff was great they figured out our insurance quickly and efficiently! We will definitely be using this dentist always!!!
Bill Holt
18:01 09 Sep 21
Just a quick shout out to the entire staff at Carmel West dentistry. What a pleasure it is to be treated so well when going to the dentist. The staff is always on time for appointments and each and everyone always has a smile on their face. This is the only place I will go for my dental needs. KUDDOS to all of you and thank you for the great serviceBill
Eloisa Khoury
20:05 08 Jul 21
Dr Tannous was gentle, kind, considerate , caring and compassionate. The clinic has the latest technologies and equipment. The cleanliness of the office was overwhelming. I rate the friendliness of the staff as 5 star +++
Germaine Flemming
17:06 19 May 21
My experience in the past few months has been awesome; I say the last few months because i had some serious dental work done. The Dentist that's taken over for Nancy was just wonderful. When I called in; desperate; they were able to get me right in; She gave me a few options and we went from there. I appreciate good billing practices also. I hate being blind sided with a bill that came out of the air. So Carmel Well Gets a A Plus in there billing and communication.dental work was also an A.. one more thing! Her Assistants are just as good as her! imagine that!
Richard Hargan
20:20 27 Apr 21
My family and I have been going to Carmel West Dentistry for over 10 years. We have always had good experiences with them and have been very pleased. Recently Dr. Halsema retired and the practice has been taken over by Dr. Tannous. I am pleased to report that Dr. Tannous is excellent. I recently had some old fillings replaced and the procedure was quick and painless. Very happy
Karl Botros
17:06 20 Apr 21
I am a new patient and was not sure what to expect when I first went in. During my appointment I was greeted and welcomed by a warm and friendly staff. Dr. Tannous was friendly, professional, and very well informed she addressed all my questions and concerns. I will definitely continue with Carmel West Dentistry!
Susie R
15:48 13 Apr 21
I have been a patient at Carmel West Dentistry for more years than I can count. Today I had a procedure performed by Dr. Tannous. I am MORE THAN PLEASED. I'm so happy Dr. Halsema picked such a caring, comforting and most of all competent Dentist to take over her practice. Even though it's a bit of a drive to get there, my family and I will continue with this great team of healthcare professionals!
Brandon Pugh
15:04 06 Apr 21
I’ve never had a dentist I’ve looked forward to going to before until now. She is also amazing with my children. The wife is also very comfortable going to Dr. Tannous as well and she came from a dentist that she was at for a long time until they stopped taking our insurance. Very pleased.
Patrick Lavelle
21:25 04 Sep 20
I've been a patient of Carmel West Dentistry since 2007. This was my first crown replacement. Dr. Nancy and her team [Melissa] were GREAT! The end result...painless. The crown fits like a glove; perfect placement. I'm a HUGE fan! Thank you all...
Michael Jamison
22:24 27 Jul 20
Nancy and her team are great. I have been going for 2 decades and highly recommend them.
Rives
16:58 28 Feb 19
By far the best Dentist experience I have ever had, all of the staff were very friendly and fully informed me what they were going to perform. The best part was that Dr. Halsema was never pushy for me to get a certain procedure, she only educated me and explained why I should consider a certain procedure to better my hygiene and health. I would definitely recommend.
Sonia-Maria Raposo
01:01 08 Nov 18
I was always scared of going to the dentist. Dr. Halsema was referred to us by a friend and my first appointment was an emergency appointment and I was taken such good care of. I never fear going for my cleanings or any other matters. They keep me smiling each time! Great and caring staff!
Angie Spiegel
18:41 06 Nov 18
Great practice, can not say enough good things about them! They go above and beyond in every aspect to make their patients experience a positive one! I highly recommend Dr. Halsema & Team to everyone!
JAMES SMITH
16:00 16 Aug 18
I've had a variety of dentists over the years but Dr. Halsema and her outstanding staff are the best! I've been "exclusive" with Dr. Halsema for almost 20 years for several reasons. (1) She is a conservative dentist in that she only recommends work that is needed now or in the near future. I never have had the thought, "Maybe I need a 2nd opinion". If she recommends a procedure...then I need that procedure. (2) Her staff is fantastic with very low turnover. I see the same staff members every time I visit her office. They're like family. (3) Cindy is the best dental tech I've ever had. I actually enjoy my cleanings! (4) I don't have dental insurance and I love her annual dental plan. Save me a lot of money. If you're not a patient and looking for a new "dental home" then set an appointment today! You won't regret your decision.
Feng Zheng
13:05 07 Jun 18
I then my wife have been coming here to do all of our teeth treatments. It has been great experience for our every visit. The staff and doctor here are kind and considerate. Highly recommended.
Melissa Resler
20:53 30 Jan 18
I truly had such a wonderful experience for my first visit. I was very anxious/nervous, but Dr. Halsema explained and talked me through everything she did. From start to finish her team was kind, courteous, and understanding. I would recommend her and her team to my closest friends and family (along with anyone else I can)!
Jason McDaniel
13:24 09 Aug 17
Dr. Halsema and her staff are amazing. I had to have multiple cavities filled. I decided to get them all done at the same time. I was there for 3 hours. I can honestly say, they cared about my whole well being and not just about getting the cavities filled and out the door. They truly care about you as a person and not just as a revenue stream.
Melissa Kramer
18:16 07 Aug 17
You know, no one loves having cavities filled. But Dr. Halsema and her team really do care about the patients' comfort. Professionals with heart!
Russell Walker
23:33 12 Jul 17
Friendly staff. A caring dentist, that provides excellent oral health. I would definitely recommend this office
Stephanie Chapel
22:58 27 Oct 14
I really enjoyed my experience at Carmel West Dentistry. When I called as a new client to set up an appointment the receptionist was very nice and friendly. I wasn't sure if my insurance would work and she worked hard to find out of it did and seemed happy to help. The atmosphere had a warm feeling and was very clean and organized. The dental assistant, Autumn, was very friendly. Dr. Halsema was very nice and was very thorough while working on me. She was also very personable. I would recommend this place to anyone!
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We offer flexible hours, so your appointment can fit in to your busy day!
Monday – Wednesday: 7 AM – 5 PM
Thursday: 7 AM – 12 PM