Feel Calm While Chairside With Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Feeling a little nervous about your dental visit? You’re not alone - and that’s where nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” comes in!

What Is Nitrous Oxide?

For certain dental procedures, dentists use nitrous oxide sedation to calm patients and manage any potential pain and discomfort that may occur. It is a trusted, common, and effective procedure that emits colorless and odorless gas.

How Does This Sedation Work?

• Place Mask On Patient: A small amount of nitrous gas is placed over your nose, and you breathe in the gas. Induced by this state of relaxation and tranquility, you breathe at a normal rate through the nose. The nitrous gas mask is left on for the entirety of the procedure.
• Sedation Level: This sedation produces minimal, moderate, deep sedation or general anesthesia.
• Patient Awareness: Individuals maintain general awareness throughout the procedure and can respond to questions or requests. Nitrous gas takes effect quickly yet wears off quickly, so patients are not affected for long.
• Remove Mask: Once the mask is removed, patients will be given an oxygen mask to inhale. The oxygen ensures that the patient will not experience headaches or other potential minor reactions to coming off of the nitrous oxide. After five minutes, the oxygen should have circulated through the patient’s system to effectively lessen the effect of the gas, bringing back clarity and awareness.

What Patients Are Candidates For Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide sedation can be a suitable option for a variety of patients of all ages, including:

• Patients who struggle with dental-related phobia.
• Individuals with a low pain threshold or sensitive teeth.
• People who need to undergo a lengthy or complex procedure.
• Patients of all ages who have difficulty sitting still and staying calm during appointments.

You deserve to feel stress-free and at ease while visiting the dentist. Our caring Dental By Nature team is here to help! If you have questions about nitrous oxide (laughing gas) in Longmont, CO, for yourself or a loved one, or want to know what to expect at your next visit, don’t hesitate to give us a call today!