Nitrous Oxide, or more commonly termed as laughing gas, is one of the most common types of sedation techniques that’s being used in dentistry. But why exactly is it that popular? Are there any side effects to speak of when using nitrous oxide? Is it also safe to be used on young patients? These are just some of the questions that we’ll try to answer in this article about Nitrous Oxide Sedation.
Nitrous Oxide that is used in dentist’s office is actually a mixture of two different gases: Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen. Once inhaled, this combination of gases that has several calming effects to the body. This is the main reason why dentists prefer to use Nitrous Oxide Sedation. The gas has the ability to lessen the patient’s nervousness, fears, and discomfort. It may even have the ability to increase the threshold for pain of a patient while sedated which also allows for longer treatment sessions with the dentist.
The gas is also safe and not harmful when being used as sedation for short periods of time.
The use of nitrous oxide sedation has shown favorable results across the board, no matter the age of the patient. It is safe to use and helps calm down patients during treatment. This last aspect is the most important factor of nitrous oxide. Those who have received nitrous oxide during a dental procedure have said that they feel a sense of pleasure and being light as a feather. Some even say that they sometimes don’t even recall even having a dental procedure or any pain at all!
