Nitrous Sedation
Nitrous Sedation
Nitrous oxide, also known as“laughing gas”, is used for a calming effect. It is a colorless, almost odorless gas that is combined with oxygen and administered through a small mask that covers your nose. Nitrous Oxide inhalation sedation is highly effective in the management of mild to moderate levels of dental anxiety. It can help relax you, ease your fear and make you feel more comfortable during your dental treatment. Nitrous oxide also helps increase your tolerance for lengthy dental procedures. While it does not make any part of your mouth numb, it can decrease your perception of discomfort. Inhalation sedation also benefits people who have a sensitive gag reflex by eliminating or minimizing the reflex.
Within just a few minutes, you will notice the effects:
- Mild tingling in your hands and feet
- Warm sensations throughout your body
- The feeling of drifting or floating
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A“disconnection”from what is going on around you.
The more deeply you breathe through your nose, the more you will feel the effects of nitrous. We can also adjust the levels to make you more comfortable. Your normal reflexes will all be intact, and you will be able to communicate with us during your treatment. Nitrous oxide is not a replacement for a local anesthetic. Nausea is an occasional side effect of nitrous oxide.
When we turn the nitrous off, you will be receiving oxygen through your mask and the effects of the nitrous will quickly subside. You may drive after your dental appointment.Ear infections and Pregnancy are contraindications for the use of nitrous. I have disclosed to Dr Khoury that I am not pregnant (if applicable) not I am trying to get pregnant as this could cause fetus complications.
There are no long-term effects unless you exposed to it frequently over an extended period of time