Sedation and Anesthesia
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
Nitrous oxide, called laughing gas, is a gas mixed with oxygen and breathed through a small nose mask to help you relax during dental care.
Nitrous oxide is one option a dentist may offer to help patients feel more comfortable during certain procedures. The ADA says it is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask over your nose. It is not meant to put you to sleep. You can hear and answer the dentist. Within a few minutes you may feel light-headed or tingly, and your arms and legs may feel heavy. The effects wear off soon after the mask is removed. Talk to your dentist about whether it is a good option for you, and share your health history first. Town Center Dental describes nitrous oxide on its sedation dentistry page. See dental anxiety and local anesthetic.