Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

What is Laughing Gas and Is It Right for You?

Laughing gas or nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative agent often used in dentistry to help relax patients with anxiety. The nitrous is inhaled through a small mask that fits over the patient’s nose and works quickly to help the patient relax and feel more comfortable during dental procedures. Nitrous is not intended to put the patient to sleep. The patient may experience light-headedness, tingling, or heaviness in the extremities but is still able to hear and respond during the procedure. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off soon after the mask is removed.