Sedatives have been popularly used for anxious patients to keep them calm and relaxed during dental procedures. Dental fear and anxiety can creep in any time at any age which may make patients hesitant to seek dental care. But with sedation, these challenges can be overcome. One common type of sedation used at the dental office in Stouffville is nitrous oxide, popularly known as laughing gas.
This informative blog will explore nitrous oxide in detail and how it can keep you calm during dental procedures.
What is nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide, popularly known as laughing gas, is a type of short-acting sedative. It is a colorless, sweet-smelling gas that you breathe in through a nosepiece. Dentists have been using this sedative for a long time since it is fast-acting and wears off quickly, thus making it an ideal sedative for short or minor dental procedures.
How does nitrous oxide work?
Nitrous oxide slows down your nervous system and induces a sense of calmness. It does not completely put you to sleep but only reduces your anxiety. Nitrous oxide acts quickly within 3 to 5 minutes. You might feel:
- Calm
- Relaxed
- Happy
- Giggly
- Light-headed
- Tingling in your arms and legs
- A sense of heaviness
Who should use nitrous oxide sedation?
Though it is popular and commonly used, nitrous oxide sedation is not meant for everyone. It is contraindicated in:
- Kids below 2 years
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Stuffy nose
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
- Severe psychiatric conditions
How long does laughing gas last?
The effect of nitrous oxide sedation lasts until your dentist turns off the gas flow. It usually takes 5 to 10 minutes for the sedative to leave your system and for you to return to normal.
What are the benefits of nitrous oxide sedation?
Nitrous oxide is a popular dental sedative due to the following benefits:
- It is fast-acting
- Easy to administer
- You can return to your normal self quickly
- It is non-invasive and does not require any needles
- Safe and effective when given in a healthcare setting
- Affordable and easily available
Can you still feel pain with laughing gas?
Yes. Nitrous oxide sedation dulls your sensitivity to pain but does not eliminate it completely. Thus most dentists use nitrous oxide sedation in combination with local anesthesia.
Bottom line
Dental fear and anxiety may be common, but they should not keep you away from the dental care that you deserve. Talk to your dentist and discuss your fear, which can help them offer you the option of sedation. Currently, nitrous oxide is the most commonly used dental sedative since it is safe, effective, and fast-acting.
