Nitrous oxide is a very safe and effective method of anxiolysis (anxiety reduction). The positive effects of the nitrous oxide gas can be felt very quickly after inhalation, and conversely it also wears off very quickly after your dentist has stopped administering it.
Nitrous oxide can help anxious patients get important dental treatments that they might otherwise avoid out of fear or anxiety. It is especially useful for children’s dental treatment and recommended for:
• Patients who are fearful, anxious, or uncooperative
• Patients who have special health care needs
• Patients with gag reflexes that interfere with dental care
• Patients who do not respond adequately to local anaesthesia
• Younger patients who must undergo lengthy dental procedures
• Patients who fear needles
• Patients with a fear of dental / hospital environments
• Patients who have had a previous trauma that inhibits them from seeking dental treatment.