What is it? And what does it do?

Nitrous Oxide (N2O) is simple a gas which you can breathe in. It has no color, smell, and doesn’t irritate. It eliminates pain and it induces a pleasurable feeling. You may feel light headed and often people get ‘the giggles’ (hence the name laughing gas).

Nitrous Oxide can be used for short periods of time safely in the dental office to relieve anxiety or fear related to dental procedures. It is administered by the dentist (who has had specific training) and is breathed in through an apparatus that covers the nose. It can be started and stopped quickly at any time and the relaxing sensations and pain killing properties can be increased or decreased in an instant. It can be used for the exact amount of time needed to complete a dental procedure and then turned off. There is no 'hangover' effect- the gas is eliminated from the body within 3-5 minutes after the gas supply is stopped. You can safely drive home and don’t need an escort.

Please feel free to ask our staff for more information on nitrous oxide sedation.