If you or your child suffers from anxiety or dental phobia (odontophobia) you or they may need a little help relaxing at your oral health appointments. Nitrous oxide (or “laughing gas”) to the rescue! Nitrous oxide is a safe, colorless, mildly sweet-smelling gas that is used as a sedative in many dental procedures. It helps elicit feelings of calmness and reduces your gag reflex, yet it keeps you awake and alert enough to follow instructions and communicate clearly with your dentist.
Will I Fall Asleep on Nitrous Oxide?
While it might be nice to take a leisurely nap in the middle of your cleaning, nitrous oxide shouldn’t put you to sleep (though on rare occasions it has happened). It is administered through a mask you wear over your nose and is mixed with oxygen, so it begins working within about five minutes.
To maintain the effects of laughing gas, you will need to wear the mask for the duration of your procedure. Once you are done, your dentist will turn off the nitrous oxide, and allow you to breathe just oxygen for about five minutes. This will help the sedative leave your system and gradually restore your body to a fully awakened state.
What Happens After Nitrous Oxide?
After the five-minute waiting period, if you are feeling strong and alert, you will be allowed to get up from the chair and can even drive yourself home. If you are feeling shaky or are still experiencing any side effects from the gas, you may want to wait a bit longer before attempting to get up. Furthermore, if you know your body takes longer to readjust, consider arranging a ride to and from your appointment.
Who Can Use Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous Oxide is considered the safest type of dental sedative and can even be used on children and patients with medical conditions like asthma and high blood pressure. If you are interested in trying it but aren’t sure it’s safe with your medical situation, check with your doctor prior to your dental appointment.
Your dentist wants you to feel relaxed and comfortable during your visit, and nitrous oxide is a safe, effective way to help reduce anxiety and help you feel calm. Whether it’s a straightforward checkup or a more involved procedure like a root canal or filling, laughing gas can help soothe your nerves so you can get through your appointment with ease!
About Our Practice
At Indy Dental Group, you and your family’s comfort is our number one priority. If there is anything we can do to make your appointment less stressful such as the use of nitrous oxide during your appointment, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
Our seven offices are conveniently located so you can find one right in your own community. To learn more about the services we offer or to schedule an appointment, please visit our website.