For many people, going to the dentist is not necessarily something they look forward to. While some patients are only mildly nervous before a dental appointment, others experience very real dental anxiety that may prevent them from seeking treatment altogether. Fortunately, however, you don’t have to be one of these people. Here at Aesthetic Dentistry of Staten Island, we offer a wide array of dental sedation services, including nitrous oxide sedation, which is designed to make your experience far more manageable. Read on to learn more about this type of sedation and contact Aesthetic Dentistry of Staten Island to book an appointment today.

What Is Nitrous Oxide Sedation, and What Is It Used For?

Nitrous oxide sedation, which is more commonly referred to as laughing gas, is a mild form of conscious sedation that is designed to help patients feel more relaxed and comfortable throughout their dental treatment. Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small mask that is placed over the nose, and the gas is carefully mixed with oxygen throughout the duration of the procedure.

Though many people have heard of laughing gas before, they are often unsure of exactly what it is used for. In many cases, nitrous oxide sedation is recommended for patients who:

Experience dental anxiety
Have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time
Feel uncomfortable undergoing certain dental procedures

Some patients simply become nervous when sitting in the dental chair, while others may have had a negative dental experience years ago that still affects them today. Fortunately, nitrous oxide sedation can often help make the experience significantly easier.

Nitrous oxide sedation is frequently used for procedures and situations that can include the following:

Tooth extractions
Dental fillings
Deep cleanings
Dental implant procedures
Root canal treatment
Patients with strong gag reflexes
Patients with sensitive teeth
Patients with moderate dental anxiety

One of the primary reasons nitrous oxide sedation continues to remain so popular is because it is considered relatively mild, especially when compared to certain other forms of sedation dentistry. Patients remain conscious during treatment, meaning they can still communicate with their dentist and respond to instructions throughout the procedure. In many cases, patients simply feel calmer, less tense, and less focused on the procedure itself.

How Does Laughing Gas Work At The Dentist?

Many patients are surprised by how quickly nitrous oxide begins working. Generally speaking, once the mask is placed over the nose and the nitrous oxide is administered, patients begin feeling the effects within only a few short minutes. The gas works by helping patients enter a more relaxed physical and mental state, thereby reducing feelings of nervousness and anxiety during treatment.

Every patient experiences nitrous oxide somewhat differently. That being said, some of the most commonly reported sensations associated with laughing gas include:

A feeling of calmness
Tingling in the arms or legs
Lightheadedness
Warmth throughout the body
Reduced anxiety
A feeling that time is moving more quickly

Patients should understand that nitrous oxide sedation does not generally “put you to sleep.” Instead, it simply helps you feel significantly more relaxed while still remaining awake and aware of your surroundings. In fact, throughout the procedure, patients are still able to:

Respond to questions
Hear and understand instructions
Breathe normally on their own
Communicate with the dentist when necessary

Another important thing to understand is that nitrous oxide sedation can typically be adjusted throughout treatment. This means that the dentist can carefully control the level of sedation based on the patient’s comfort level and the type of procedure being performed.

Is Nitrous Oxide Sedation Safe?

Yes, nitrous oxide sedation is widely considered safe when administered by an experienced dental professional. In fact, nitrous oxide has been safely used in dentistry and medicine for many decades. Of course, before administering any type of sedation, it is always important for your dentist to review your medical history, current medications, and any underlying health conditions you may have.

Fortunately, most healthy patients tolerate nitrous oxide sedation very well. Additionally, because oxygen is administered once treatment is complete, the effects of the gas generally wear off rather quickly afterward. Though side effects are relatively uncommon, some patients may occasionally experience:

Mild nausea
Dizziness
Fatigue
Headaches
Chills

In most cases, these side effects are temporary and relatively minor. However, patients should always be honest with their dentist regarding their medical history beforehand so the dentist can determine whether nitrous oxide sedation is appropriate for them. Certain medical conditions may affect whether nitrous oxide sedation is recommended, including:

Certain respiratory conditions
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Pregnancy
Vitamin B12 deficiencies
Severe sinus congestion
Certain mental health conditions

The bottom line is that nitrous oxide sedation is considered both safe and effective for many patients, especially those who experience anxiety regarding dental treatment.

Will I Be Awake During Nitrous Oxide Sedation?

Yes. One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding nitrous oxide sedation is that patients will be completely unconscious during treatment. However, this is generally not the case. Nitrous oxide sedation is considered conscious sedation, which means patients remain awake throughout the procedure.

This is important because many patients want to feel relaxed during treatment without completely losing awareness of what is happening around them. Fortunately, nitrous oxide sedation often provides exactly that balance. Though patients are typically far calmer and more comfortable during treatment, they are still able to communicate with the dentist and understand what is happening throughout the appointment. Many patients who receive nitrous oxide sedation report that:

They feel significantly less anxious
The procedure feels shorter
They remain physically relaxed throughout treatment
Dental sounds and sensations feel less overwhelming
They are still aware of their surroundings

How Long Does Nitrous Oxide Last?

One of the primary advantages associated with nitrous oxide sedation is that the effects generally do not last very long once treatment is complete. After the nitrous oxide is stopped, patients are typically given pure oxygen for several minutes, which helps flush the remaining gas from the body.

Unlike certain stronger forms of sedation, nitrous oxide usually wears off relatively quickly. In many cases, patients feel normal again only minutes after their procedure has ended. Because of this, many patients are able to resume their regular daily activities shortly afterward. Depending on the patient and the procedure performed, many people are able to:

Drive themselves home
Return to work
Run errands
Resume normal daily activities

Contact Aesthetic Dentistry of Staten Island Today

If you are interested in learning more about nitrous oxide sedation, or if you have any additional questions regarding sedation dentistry, please do not hesitate to contact Aesthetic Dentistry of Staten Island today to speak with an experienced member of our dental team.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation