Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is a gas used for dental treatments. It is commonly known as happy or laughing gas and is given through a nosepiece to children or adults during their dental treatments to feel more relaxed and at ease. Patient is awake for the whole procedure but is less anxious and feels less pain. Once the dental treatment is over, the effects of the laughing gas quickly dissipate while the patient receives pure Oxygen.

Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas with a slight sweet odor. Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor. It has been used in medicine for sedation purposes for about a century and is safe and practical for administering conscious sedation. Conscious sedation means that a child (or adult) will stay awake during the procedure but feel entirely calm — even happy. In this condition, all biological functions remain regular, but the child is mentally relaxed. The effect of nitrous oxide sedation wears off automatically as soon as its administration is stopped after the procedure.

For conscious sedation Nitrous oxide, generally known as laughing gas, is used for dental treatments as a mild sedative to minimize pain and anxiety. Nitrous oxide, being a colorless and odorless gas, is mixed with oxygen to be inhaled via a small mask just enough to fit the nose. During the treatment, patients are instructed to breathe as they usually would. They would be able to feel the effects after a few minutes.

Despite being called a “laughing” gas, nitrous oxide does not make you laugh. This gas simply slows down your nervous system, making you feel less guarded and tense. Some effects on your body include light-headedness, feeling tingly, and possibly some heaviness in your arms and legs may occur. You might have felt at ease and relaxed throughout the procedure, and you might even let out a few giggles.

Nitrous oxide has a unique quality that it Patients who are having general dental procedures such as cleanings and diagnostics should ask their dentist if nitrous oxide sedation is an option. Additionally, patients who have porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, surgeries or root canal treatment may require nitrous oxide sedation, some patients might even inquire about sedation with N2O for their cleaning appointments.

Increases Comfort

Nitrous oxide can make patients relaxed and comfortable throughout their dental treatment, especially if they feel anxious in a dental chair.

No Use of Needles

The administration of nitrous oxide does not require needles, unlike IV-sedation methods for dental treatments.

Little Recovery Time

The patient can recover from the nitrous oxide’s effects immediately after they stop inhaling it. Nitrous oxide sedation is one of the few where patients can safely go home without assistance after their treatment.

Leaves the Body Very Rapidly

The laughing gas wears off quickly, meaning it also leaves the body’s system just as fast. The patient’s body can be completely free from nitrous oxide after 5 minutes of cutting its source and receiving pure oxygen. Thus, this enables the patient to go back home safely without the need for assistance.

Full Consciousness

Despite the patient being awake and conscious of the procedure, they are completely relaxed and at ease to still communicate with their dentist or other people.

Quick Onset

Nitrous oxide’s effects can be felt instantaneously, with only a few minutes for it to take effect completely.

Reduces Gagging

Nitrous oxide can decrease and remove the patient’s gag reflex during the procedure, making the patient more relaxed during the dental treatment.

You Will Always Receive a Personalized Experience

Here at Burnaby Square Dental, we aim to give you a dental experience unlike any other. We ensure this by having all patients feel at home and comfortable, whether they are here for a regular visit or an advanced treatment. You can always expect to be given full attention with our committed team of professionals always at your service.

Easy Access to Dental Care and Information

Your time is important to us, which is why we tackle this by offering extended office hours until the evening and on Saturdays. We also happily give you a reminder for your dental appointments. 

For patients with concerns or who wish to make appointments, call us at (604) 526 2725 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment and we promise to respond immediately in order to accommodate you well.