If you're uneasy about coming in for your dental checkup, we can make it, quite literally, a gas for you.

Nitrous oxide is highly effective, extremely safe, and remarkably calming. It induces a relaxed, tranquil feeling that is perfect for many people who feel a little anxious about getting dental checkups or treatment. It's especially good for nervous patients, frightened children, or anyone who feels uncomfortable in the dentist's chair.

Nitrous oxide is called the conscious analgesic because patients remain awake and can communicate while it's being used.

Nitrous oxide isn't for everyone, however. We will not recommend its use for patients with severe anxiety, very young children, or pregnant women. If you would like more information, please don't hesitate to ask us.

You can become aware of any TMD symptoms by asking yourself several questions:

• Does your bite feel changed in any way lately?

• Does your jaw make popping or crackling sounds when you open or close your mouth?
• Have your jaw ever gotten stuck or moved in and out?
• Have you recently experienced difficulty or discomfort opening or closing your mouth?
• Has normal chewing or yawning ever hurt?
• Do you ever experience discomfort or pain in your cheeks or ears?

If you answered "Yes" to any of these, please tell us about it so we can conduct a comprehensive TMD assessment. Now, answering positively does not mean you have TMD, it just means that we should look into the situation in greater detail.