Nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas, is readily available in our office and provides an excellent way to combat anxiety for most dental procedures. It is an odorless gas that is used in combination with pure oxygen to induce a feeling of relaxation and well-being during treatment. The mildest form of sedation that we use, laughing gas flows through a comfortably fitting mask that rests over your nose. The sedation effect takes place within minutes of breathing the gas. It often creates a pleasant feeling of euphoria that can make ordinary things seem funnier.
Since it is a mild sedation, patients don’t experience any short-term memory loss as with other forms of sedation. At the end of treatment, the sedation caused by the nitrous oxide dissipates almost immediately and you will be able to return home with absolutely no lasting effects. If you are using only laughing gas for sedation, you won’t need an escort to or from your appointment.