“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself,” Franklin D. Roosevelt famously said during a time of great uncertainty. His point was that fear often grows larger in our minds than the actual problem we face. The same is true for dentistry: for many patients, it’s not the treatment itself that’s most difficult, but the anxiety leading up to it. Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” can help break that cycle for the 36% of Americans with a fear of dental treatment. By calming nerves and easing tension, it allows patients to face dental care with confidence.
What Is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide (N20) is also known as “laughing gas” or “nitrous.” It’s a colorless, non-flammable, slightly sweet-smelling and -tasting gas.
The nitrous oxide used for medical purposes is made in a laboratory setting. But it’s also a naturally occurring chemical compound.
Is Nitrous Oxide Safe?
While nitrous oxide can be harmful as a greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, in medicine it has a long record of safety. In fact, the World Health Organization includes nitrous oxide on its list of essential medications. These are medications considered necessary for a strong healthcare system, alongside familiar names like amoxicillin, clindamycin, and ibuprofen.
In other words, experts agree it would be unethical to withhold nitrous from patients who can benefit from it. Of course, like any treatment, it isn’t right for every single situation, but it remains a trusted and important tool for patient care in dentistry and beyond.
Who Should Avoid Nitrous?
You should avoid laughing gas if you’re in your first trimester of pregnancy or if you have one of these conditions:
- A serious mental health disorder
- A vitamin B-12 deficiency
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Nitrous is generally well tolerated and is safe even in pediatric patients. Dr. Keider will discuss whether or not it’s right for you.
Who Is Laughing Gas Best For?
Laughing gas can help individuals with a sensitive gag reflex or those who don’t get enough pain relief from local anesthesia. But it’s often used for patients who experience a great deal of fear before or during dental procedures, such as:
- Dental implant placement
- Gum scaling and root planing
- Oral surgery
- Root canals
- Extraction or wisdom tooth removal
Reducing fear and discomfort is valuable on its own, but it also makes dental care more efficient. When patients are relaxed, dentists can often complete procedures in a single visit without frequent breaks or extra appointments. And for Dr. Keider, it’s just as important to know you’re comfortable. After all, his goal is to help you feel confident while receiving the care you need.
Why Do Dentists Use Nitrous Oxide?
Fear is often the biggest barrier to dental care, and nitrous oxide helps remove that obstacle so patients can get the treatment they need. First used in the mid-19th century, nitrous oxide gained popularity among physicians and dentists because it acts quickly, wears off rapidly, and doesn’t cause full unconsciousness. It can also be carefully adjusted during treatment to match each patient’s comfort level.
When inhaled through a small nosepiece, the mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen gently slows the nervous system. The result is two powerful benefits working together: pain relief (analgesia) and reduced anxiety (anxiolysis).
What Should I Expect If I Get Laughing Gas?
When it’s time to administer the gas, Dr. Keider will do the following:
- Place a mask over your nose
- Open a valve of nitrous oxide and oxygen, adjusting the dose until you feel sufficient symptom relief
- Perform your procedure
- Shut off the nitrous valve, but allow you to breathe pure oxygen to return you to a normal mental state
- Remove your mask
- Monitor you for a few minutes
Nitrous oxide doesn’t put you fully to sleep. You’ll stay awake and able to follow simple instructions like opening your mouth, biting down, or turning your head. At the same time, you’ll benefit from its calming and pain-reducing effects.
Before receiving laughing gas, many patients wonder what it will feel like. While the experience varies from person to person, most experience:
- A light, floating, or sinking sensation in the chair
- A sense of euphoria or happiness
- Overall relaxation and a sense of calm
Once Dr. Keider turns off the nitrous oxide, the effects fade within 5-10 minutes. Because it wears off so quickly, many patients can even drive themselves home after a short observation period.
Anxious About Your Upcoming Procedure? We Can Help!
Dr. Keider knows dental anxiety and pain are real, not weaknesses you should “tough out.” Nitrous oxide provides a safe and effective way to make treatment easier for patients who feel particularly nervous.
Contact us today to learn more and see if nitrous oxide is right for you.
