What is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous Oxide - better known as "laughing gas" - is an effective anesthetic that is widely utilized in dentistry to help relax patients during a procedure.

The gas is administered through a mask placed over the nose of the patient. After 30 seconds to 5 minutes of breathing. the patient begins to feel a pleasant level of sedation. In some patients, cheeks and gums will begin to feel numb.

After the gas has been adjusted to the appropriate dose and the patient is relaxed and sedated we can proceed with treatment.

Through the entire process, you will be monitored by our specially-trained dental team.

After treatment is completed the patient is given pure oxygen to breathe for about five minutes. During this time the effects of sedation are reversed. Unlike IV or general anesthesia, the patient can almost always leave the office by themselves.

Is Nitrous Oxide right for me?

Nitrous oxide is great for patients who:

• Have avoided dental treatment due to nervousness or fear
• Have difficulty getting numb through "Freezing"
• Have extremely sensitive teeth
• Patients who are afraid of needles, drills, or other treatments

Nitrous oxide has few side effects. In some patients, high doses can cause nausea, and approximately 10 percent of patients do not benefit from it. Patients who have blocked nasal passages cannot use laughing gas effectively.

Nitrous oxide is not necessarily a good fit for every patient. We will provide a screening consultation before choosing this option and recommend other treatments as needed.

Surveys have shown that the number one reason people avoid the dentist is fear. While skipping your dentist trips may be good for your nerves it can have quite a negative effect on your oral health. If anxiety has been keeping you from visiting us, please be sure to ask us about nitrous oxide!