It’s possible that when you had a tooth extracted, or a filling placed when you were a child, your dentist used something called laughing gas to help calm you down and make the procedure more tolerable. Laughing gas is called nitrous oxide and is an odourless and colourless gas used by inhaling through the nose to produce the effect of antianxiety and calming. It is often used for children in dental settings as procedures can be scary with lots of new sounds and sensations. Laughing gas may be used for a period of time, such as during the injection of local anesthetic or throughout the entire treatment.
Treatment Process
As stated above, laughing gas is inhaled through the nose, and a rubber hood is placed over the nose for the patient to take long, deep breaths through. The patient will be instructed to breathe only through the nose and not the mouth at this time. It takes only 30 seconds to a minute to begin feeling the calming effects of the laughing gas.
The level of anxiety during the appointment will determine the length of usage. You will be monitored the entire time laughing gas is administered, and your blood pressure and heart rate will be continually checked to prevent adverse responses. In the last moments of use, oxygen, rather than laughing gas, will be inhaled through the hood until the effects of the laughing gas wear off. This typically only takes a minute or so. One of the benefits of laughing gas is that its effects can start and stop when desired, unlike other drugs that can take hours to wear off.
Adverse Effects of Laughing Gas
There are few adverse effects associated with using laughing gas during dental procedures. It is safe when administered by a health care provider, such as your dentist, in the correct manner with the correct dosage. Very rarely, side effects such as vomiting, nausea, headache, sweating and fatigue may be reported. A patient will be instructed to refrain from eating and drinking for 3-4 hours before treatment to prevent vomiting and nausea.
So, are you a Candidate for Laughing Gas?
The likely answer is yes, but speaking with your dentist about it and discussing your treatment goals is essential. Typically, any patient, whether a child or adult with dental anxiety, can benefit from laughing gas.
If you are interested in laughing gas as a treatment option or have any questions about it, please reach out to us today to schedule a consultation appointment.