Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a method that is used to treat anxiety and alleviate pain during dental procedures. Many people notice that the time seems to pass by more quickly when they use nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide does not put a person to sleep.
Even though nitrous oxide is called laughing gas, it does not make you laugh. However, some people have reported feeling giddy or happy while using laughing gas. Others have stated that they have felt tingling and numbness. That is where the term laughing gas came from.
Nitrous oxide is administered through a nose hood and a person will inhale it. Nitrous oxide is not administered in its pure form. It has to be mixed with oxygen because of the risk of asphyxiation.
Nitrous oxide works very quickly. In fact, many people have stated that have started feeling calm within three minutes. The dentist controls how much nitrous oxide one gets.
If you are afraid of being unconscious during the procedure, then nitrous oxide is a great option for you. Nitrous oxide only calms you down. It does not cause you to lose consciousness.
It is important to note that nitrous oxide is safe. If nitrous oxide is administered the right way, then there are no side effects. Your medical history will be reviewed before nitrous oxide is administered. Dentists also receive training and are licensed before they can administer nitrous oxide.
The effects of nitrous oxide wear off immediately. The effects of it will disappear as soon as you start breathing normal air again. You will be able to return to your normal activities immediately.
