Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, is a common form of sedation dentistry that is used to relax patients and relieve both adults and children from dental anxiety. The sedation effect is minimal and allows patients to remain conscious, but calm throughout the dental procedure. It is a safe and effective way to treat patients who have been avoiding the dentist out of fear. If you or someone you love is in need of dental treatment, but feeling nervous, call Dental on Central at (602) 266-1776. Our dentists can discuss using nitrous oxide as a solution to your dental anxiety or needle phobia.

Why Choose Dental on Central

• We offer multiple types of sedation dentistry on-site, including nitrous oxide.
• Our Phoenix sedation dentists are equipped to handle all of your dental needs in our one office location.
• We are committed to providing extraordinary customer care and leaving you with a positive and relaxing dental experience.

How Is Nitrous Oxide Administered?

Once the nitrous oxide is decided to be the right choice of sedation for a patient, the dentist will hand the patient a mask. The patient will then breathe in a mix of half nitrous oxide and half oxygen. The sleepy and relaxing effects will come on quickly, and as long as the mask stays on. Once the procedure is completed and the mask removed, the side effects will wear off quickly. Oftentimes, patients are able to wait, then drive home. However, there are times when a ride home will be required.

Is Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) Safe?

Nitrous Oxide, also known as “Laughing gas”, is a non-toxic, safe and effective form of sedation dentistry. It would be extremely difficult to lethally overdose on the substance. The gas has no color, almost no smell, and will not cause irritation to the nose or mouth. It’s considered to be among one of the safest drugs used in dentistry. Children and pregnant women are even able to use it safely. In some instances, such as with people who gag easily, nitrous oxide actually makes dental procedures less risky. Other potential benefits include:

• Great for patients and children who are anxious.
• Helps to relax developmentally delayed patients and patients with special needs.
• The patient remains conscious and can communicate with the dentist.
• There are limited or no side effects of nitrous oxide.
• Wears off quickly with little or no recovery time.
• Considered safe and non-addictive when used correctly.
• The patient does not need a ride home.

However, there are individuals who shouldn’t use laughing gas. These include people who are unable to breathe through a mask, who suffer from psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, those who are sensitive to nitrous oxide, and individuals who have been diagnosed with emphysema or another lung condition. Other disadvantages include:

• Patients still need local dental anesthetic during major dental surgery.
• Nausea or vomiting can be induced if nitrous oxide is administered to a patient with a full.
• stomach or if a patient becomes overmedicated.
• May not work on extremely phobic patients
• Patients who have difficulty breathing in through the nose cannot be administered nitrous oxide.

Can You Drive after Laughing Gas?

Yes, in most cases patients may drive after laughing gas. Although, they are required to wait until they are fully alert. Oxygen is administered for five to 10 minutes following the procedure in order to flush out any remaining gas. The effects often wear off immediately, however, patients may have to wait 15 minutes or more.

Speak to Our Phoenix Dentists Today

For further information on sedation dentistry and nitrous oxide, or to schedule a free consultation or appointment with our nitrous oxide dentist in Phoenix, please contact us by calling (602) 266-1776 or filling out our online contact form.