Nitrous Oxide Sedation

The use of nitrous oxide (N2O), also known as laughing gas, is an inhalation sedation technique that can be used as a way of lowering anxiety and nervousness during dental treatment without making you completely unconscious. Nitrous oxide can be used for all routine dental procedures, including dental extractions, to “take the edge off” before the administration of local anesthetic and for the entire duration of your dental treatment.

This type of sedation is very easy and straightforward and involves breathing in a mixture of nitrous oxide (often known as laughing gas) and oxygen. A small rubber inhaler is placed over the patient’s nose and adjusted so that the patient breaths through it. It begins to work within 3 to 5 minutes and at the end of the appointment the effect of N2O is reversed within minutes. Most patients experience an initial feeling of lightheadedness, which gradually leads to a feeling of overall relaxation and well being.

The advantages of nitrous oxide are its rapid onset, quick recovery, and it is one of the safest forms of sedation available for both adults and children.

Our office is equipped with nitrous oxide and our doctors and staff are highly trained in the safe administration and management of nitrous oxide. Please feel free to discuss this option further with the doctor.