Conscious Sedation/Laughing Gas

Do you have a fear of dental treatments? Studies have shown that one in eight people suffer from dental phobia and are more likely to have decayed or missing teeth. Fortunately, there are several options to address this issue. Nitrous oxide sedation, also known as “laughing gas”, is a fairly safe approach and is well-tolerated by most patients. Nitrous oxide is recommended in the following situations:

1. For a slightly worried patient / to reduce dental stress
2. For children afraid of dental treatment
3. To reduce awareness of time and fatigue
4. To increase the patient’s pain reaction threshold
5. For patients on whom anesthesia has little effect
6. To raise patient tolerance during longer appointments
7. To control the gag reflex
8. At the request of the patient

Nitrous oxide (N₂0) is a gas administered along with oxygen (0₂) via a small mask that fits over the nose. The effect is quite fast, is reversible and can be adjusted to different concentrations, depending on the patient. Patients are fully conscious and maintain all natural reflexes during treatment. They should be fully capable of responding to questions or requests during the procedure. The effects of this sedation can vary from person to person. Some of the symptoms may include a relaxed sensation, light-headedness, tingling hands and feet, warmness, numbness around the mouth, numb hands and feet, light or heavy limbs and/or slight euphoria. It only takes a few minutes for the effects to go away after you stop breathing in the nitrous oxide and breathe in pure oxygen for about five minutes towards the end of the appointment. Adverse side effects are very rare, but can include nausea, headache, increased drowsiness and excessive sweating or chills. Don’t hesitate to contact our clinic for more information and to find out if you’re a good candidate for this type of sedation.