Dental Anesthesia: What is Laughing Gas?

Laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide, is the most commonly used form of sedation. It can help you feel calm and relaxed throughout your appointment.

What is laughing gas?

Also known as nitrous oxide, laughing gas is the most commonly used form of sedation dentistry. The dentist will administer the gas through a breathing mask that you wear for the entirety of the procedure. The effects of the gas wear off quickly after you stop breathing it, though you should have someone drive you home after you receive laughing gas.

Dentists use laughing gas for two reasons. First, it can help patients relax during long or invasive procedures such as root canals or wisdom tooth removal. Second, it can be used during certain cosmetic dental procedures to help numb the area being worked on.

Patients don’t usually experience any side effects when undergoing treatment with laughing gas. It may make them feel a little drowsy and euphoric. Some patients may also have a slight headache after their treatment is over. These effects will wear off in a matter of hours. If you do feel nauseous, let your dentist know right away. He or she can prescribe something for you to take for nausea.

Is laughing gas safe?

Yes, laughing gas is extremely safe when administered by a professional dentist. The effects wear off quickly after a few minutes, so you will be able to drive yourself home after your procedure. You will not experience any lingering side effects or grogginess afterward. Laughing gas is non-addictive and has no loss of consciousness associated with it when used properly. This is what makes it ideal as a sedation option for routine dental procedures. Tooth extractions and root canals require the use of local anesthetic as well as laughing gas to ensure patient comfort while the procedure is being performed.

Your dentist will also take special measures to ensure that you do not inhale too much of the gas. A small mask will be placed over your nose and mouth to prevent the gas from escaping your lungs. This will ensure a safe amount of oxygen continues to flow to your brain. After this, you may feel light-headed and dizzy for about ten minutes. After this time, the sedative effects of the gas will fade, and you will return to normal within a few minutes.

If you are looking for gentle tooth care with a minimal amount of discomfort, contact your dentist to learn more about laughing gas and how it can be used for your treatment. Laughing gas can help calm an overactive gag reflex or provide effective pain relief from sore teeth and gums. It can also make long procedures like wisdom teeth removal a breeze!