Nitrous oxide is a colourless and odourless gas (N2O) and is commonly referred to as happy gas or laughing gas. Its administration in the dental setting falls under the category of inhalational analgesia/anxiolysis. Giving nitrous oxide is a way to help reduce a patient’s pain and anxiety experienced during dental treatment. The gas nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose. Patients are asked to breathe normally and should feel the effects of the laughing gas within minutes.
Effects vary patient to patient but you will start to feel less inhibited, light-headed, tingly, or even heaviness in your arms or legs. Ultimately, you should be calm and comfortable throughout the procedure. You might even giggle a time or two.
Patients are relaxed but awake and aware of what is happening during treatment and will be able to respond to instructions and questions from staff. After dental treatment is completed 100% oxygen is administered and patient recovery is quick, usually within a few minutes, from the effects of the nitrous oxide gas. This means you will be able to drive yourself home after the appointment.