Nitrous Oxide Is a Safe Form of Sedation Dentistry; Here’s What to Expect During Treatment

Dentists have used nitrous oxide to help patients stay calm and comfortable during routine oral cleanings, restorative procedures, and many other dental treatments for almost two centuries. While you have probably seen nitrous oxide, which is also called laughing gas, portrayed humorously on television, these depictions are not true to the reality of this safe and convenient form of dental sedation. Here’s a brief guide to what you should know about laughing gas before receiving it.

Nitrous Oxide Doesn’t Make You Laugh Hysterically or Hallucinate

While many cartoons may have depicted people receiving nitrous oxide as delirious with laughter or prone to wacky hallucinations, the truth is that the real-life laughing gas used in dental offices has neither of these effects. This treatment earned the laughing gas nickname because patients who receive it at too great a concentration may develop a slight case of the giggles, but a trained dental professional will ensure that nitrous oxide is mixed with a healthy amount of oxygen before using it. When the gas is properly administered, it doesn’t usually make patients more likely to laugh.

Nitrous Oxide Is Non-Invasive and Doesn’t Cause Lasting Side Effects

One of the major benefits of nitrous oxide is that it doesn’t cause any side effects in most patients. While you can expect to feel a sense of calmness and greater well-being briefly once you begin inhaling the gas, it is completely eliminated from the body within fifteen minutes of the treatment ending. Your dentist will probably ask you to sit down for a few minutes after treatment while any residual dizziness wears off, but you can expect to be able to drive yourself home or back to work afterward.

Nitrous Oxide Isn’t for Everyone

While nitrous oxide is a safe and effective form of dental sedation for almost any dental patient, there are a few exceptions. The treatment may not be suitable for pregnant women, and patients with congested airways due to allergies or upper respiratory infections may not be able to receive sufficient levels of nitrous oxide to achieve its effects. Patients who live with depression or have histories of substance abuse may also be better served by another form of dental sedation. If you have any of these issues, mention them to your dentist before beginning nitrous oxide treatment.

Nitrous oxide can be a great way to take a person’s anxiety out of their dental appointments. Consulting with your dentist can help you determine if laughing gas might be an excellent dental sedation treatment for you.

About the Practice

Brush Dental offers top-notch holistic dental care to the community of Royse City. Led by Drs. John Kuan and Christopher Lam, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys pleasant and effective dental treatments in a calm and welcoming environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, emergency, and sedation dentistry. To learn more about how nitrous oxide may be able to help you, contact the practice online or dial (469) 723-4000.