How Does Laughing Gas Work?

Laughing gas is among the mildest form of sedation used by most healthcare providers to help ease anxiety and relieve pain. What is laughing gas, and how does it work in dentistry? Read on to learn more about this brilliant sedation tool that helps make dental treatments more bearable.

What Is Laughing Gas?

Laughing gas is the common name for nitrous oxide (N2O)-a colorless, odorless gas used to reduce anxiety during most treatment procedures. You can breathe it in through a mask over your nose. This helps you relax enough to get through the treatment process.

Unlike general anesthesia, you remain conscious and alert while inhaling nitrous oxide. You can respond to commands given by your doctor, and when the procedure is finished, you breathe in oxygen again. You will return to normal shortly after the effect of laughing gas wears off.

How Is Laughing Gas Used in Dentistry?

Laughing gas enters your bloodstream when you inhale it, enabling it to reach your brain and produce a feeling of relaxation. After about five minutes of deep breathing, you'll start to feel the effects, making it easier to cope with anxiety and fear during the dental appointment.

The amount of laughing gas can be adjusted according to the level of sedation needed. You are likely to feel as though time has sped up during your appointment, making dental procedures seem much shorter than they are. You may also experience a tingly feeling in your hands and feet while under the influence of the laughing gas. This sensation typically subsides shortly after the procedure is complete.

The beauty of laughing gas is that it wears off quickly after your Redondo Beach sedation dentist turns off the machine, meaning that you can drive yourself home afterward with no side effects or drowsiness. However, it is advisable to bring someone with you if you plan on using laughing gas for more extensive dental work.

What Are the Benefits of Laughing Gas?

One of the major advantages of Nitrous Oxide is that it works fast. In most cases, you will start to feel its effects in less than five minutes, and the feeling usually wears off quickly. Compared to other dental sedatives, whether oral or intravenous, laughing gas is considered one of the safest forms of sedation for dental patients.

Other advantages include the following:

• It's non-allergenic and non-irritating (unlike some oral sedatives)
• It doesn't impair coordination or judgment
• It can be used with local anesthetics or other medications if needed
• You will remain comfortable and conscious and can respond to commands while under its influence

Book an Appointment with Us Today

If you are considering sedation for your next dental appointment in Redondo Beach, book an appointment with us at ARTSCI Dental. Dr. Anthony is highly-trained and experienced in using different sedation techniques in various dental procedures. He will be happy to discuss your options if you are curious about what types of sedation we have available. Contact us today to schedule your next visit.