---
title: "What Is Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)? Dental Glossary"
description: "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."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/nitrous-oxide-laughing-gas
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

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](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/sedation-dentistry) page. See [dental anxiety](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-anxiety) and [local anesthetic](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/local-anesthetic).

[Town Center Dental can helpSedation Dentistry](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/sedation-dentistry)

## Related terms

-   [Dental anxiety](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-anxiety)
-   [Dental phobia](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-phobia)
-   [Local anesthetic](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/local-anesthetic)
-   [Sedation monitoring](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/sedation-monitoring)
-   [Minimal sedation](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/minimal-sedation)

## Sources

1.  [ADA MouthHealthy: Nitrous Oxide - Laughing Gas](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/nitrous-oxide)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)