By David Mandich - Travel Writer

In Mexico, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and full anesthesia can only be administered in a hospital by a doctor of anesthesiology in a full hospital environment that has the back-up facilities and personnel necessary to care for fully sedated patients. Medical and dental clinics cannot use nitrous - they generally use sleep dentistry instead.

Other reasons for the tight restrictions on the use of nitrous oxide in Mexico are that studies have shown that medical staff, who are subject to constant exposure to nitrous, develop symptoms of Parkinsons disease over time such as loss of motor control in their hands.

In the USA - control is so lax - dental assistants often administer this sedation. Then, there's the potential for abuse. In the USA where nitrous oxide is more widely available - it often turns up at rock concerts and motor speedway events being sold in balloons as a recreational drug.

Sleep Dentistry does not mean that a patient will be "knocked out" or unconscious, rather that the sedation will put patients in a dreamlike state, alleviating anxieties. Patients generally remain conscious during procedures and can respond to the doctors instructions as in "turn you head," " sit up," etc. while under sedation. Overall, little will be felt or remembered from the procedure.

How many times has your dentist back home required you to visit his office and an endodontists office 3-4 times for a root canal and a crown? With sedation dentistry - Dental Tourists can get a full-mouth (27 crowns) done in 4-5 visits during a one week Dental Vacation in Cabo.

Sleep Dentistry is perfect for those on a tight schedule and need to get a lot of work done in a short period of time.

Dr. George Arciga (are-see-ga) a dentist in Cabo San Lucas, has been catering to dental vacationers for over 30 years. He routinely treats dental phobic patients as well. Because of his warm, friendly chairside manner and gentle touch - he often turns former "dental avoiders" into regular patients. Patients who had a bad dental experience years ago often overcome their fears at his clinic. I know, I was once one of them.

Sleep or sedation dentistry in Mexico is usually done one of two ways. Using an under-the-tongue pill or the services of an anesthesiologist - both in the dental clinic. Both require additional staff to assist the dentist to monitor the patients vital signs and assist in moving the patient should it be necessary.

Dr. Arciga always has another doctor assist (rather than a dental assistant) when a patient "goes under." I like that.

From simple fillings, crowns, and implants to full-mouth cosmetic restorations Cabo San Lucas offers the North American dental tourist the closest off-shore dental vacation destination being only 1.5 to 5 hours away by air from the US and Canada.

Learn how easy it is to have a free vacation in Cabo while seeing the dentist by visiting Dr. Arciga's clinic at: www.cabocosmeticdental.com There you will be able to get a Free Online Consultation and treatments in Cabo at prices that even this writer can afford.

David Mandich writes about Mexico for Los Cabos Magazine, International London News - Luxury Avenue Magazine, Mexico Living Magazine, Gayot Restaurant & Hotel Guide, Knight-Ridder publications and many others.