Sedation Dentistry

Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is a gas you breathe through a small mask to help you relax during dental care. It does not put you to sleep, and it wears off soon after the mask comes off. Numbing medicine still handles the tooth. Ask the office what applies to you.

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You stay awake

Nitrous oxide is not intended to put you to sleep. You can hear and respond to the dentist.

Quick to take effect and to fade

You should feel the effects within a few short minutes, and they wear off soon after the mask is removed.

Numbing is separate

Local anesthesia numbs the area being treated. A comfort option does not replace it.

Tell the team about your health

Share your health history and medicines before treatment, and ask whether nitrous oxide suits you.

Unfortunately, we understand that some people experience fear or anxiety when they think about a trip to the dentist. In some cases, these phobias can even prevent a person from receiving the dental care they need to maintain proper oral health. At Town Center Dental, we offer sedation dentistry to create a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for our patients.

You, too, may qualify for sedation dentistry, especially if your anxiety dictates the frequency of your visits. During your next appointment, ask us about your sedation options. Our doctors and the rest of our team have received extensive training for the safe and effective use of several types of sedation.

Levels of Sedation

There are four major levels of sedation:

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Minimal Sedation: Awake but in a more relaxed state

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Moderate Sedation: Affects your motor skills and memory of the procedure

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Deep Sedation: A “twilight” state on the edge of consciousness

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General Anesthesia: Completely unconscious

The level of sedation you receive depends on the medication we use, and the severity of your anxiety. Patients with significant anxiety may need to be placed in a deeper level of sedation. Regardless of the sedation you receive, most medications are used in conjunction with a local anesthetic. A local anesthetic numbs your mouth to reduce or eliminate pain and discomfort.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” is the most common type of dental sedation. Patients who undergo nitrous oxide sedation report feelings of euphoria and deep relaxation. The gas also takes and loses effect almost instantly, making it the only sedation that does not require you to arrange a ride after your appointment.

The gas is administered through a facemask that is placed over the nose at the beginning of the procedure. Once we complete the procedure, we pump oxygen through the mask to reduce or eliminate post-operative side effects. Nitrous oxide is easy to control with minimal side-effects, making it one of the safest and most effective ways to eliminate anxiety.

Schedule Your Appointment

If you would like to learn more about sedation dentistry, call 636-273-5866, and schedule your appointment today!

Nitrous oxide at a glance

Question	Answer
How is it given?	You breathe it through a small mask that fits over your nose, mixed with oxygen.
Will I be asleep?	No. You can hear and respond to your dentist.
How soon does it work?	Within a few short minutes of breathing normally through your nose.
What might I feel?	Light-headedness, tingling, or heavy arms and legs, then a calm feeling.
How soon does it fade?	The effects wear off soon after the mask is removed.
Is numbing still needed?	Often yes. Local anesthesia numbs the tooth and gums.

What does nitrous oxide feel like?

Most people feel calm and relaxed. The American Dental Association says nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas, is one option your dentist may offer to help make you more comfortable during certain procedures. It is mixed with oxygen and breathed through a small mask over your nose.

Within a few short minutes you should start to feel the effects. You may feel light-headed or notice a tingling in your arms and legs. Some people say their arms and legs feel heavy. You stay awake and can hear and answer your dentist.

The effects wear off soon after the mask is removed. Your dentist tells you what to expect after your visit. Read the glossary entry on nitrous oxide or our blog post on nitrous oxide side effects. If you have a medical condition or take medicines, say so when you book. Your dentist decides whether it fits your visit.

How is nitrous oxide different from numbing medicine?

They do different jobs. Nitrous oxide helps you relax. Numbing medicine, called local anesthesia, blocks the nerves that sense pain in a specific area of your mouth. The American Dental Association explains that local anesthesia prevents pain in the area being treated by numbing mouth tissues.

That is why a visit may use both. Your dentist may apply a topical gel first, then inject numbing medicine, and nitrous oxide can help you stay calm during the visit.

If you feel pain during treatment, say so right away. The ADA advises telling your dentist if you feel pain even with a local anesthetic. Agree on a hand signal before you start so you can ask for a break. Numbness lasts after the visit, so ask when it will fade and how to protect your lip and cheek in the meantime. Our post on how long dental numbing lasts covers it.

What if I need more help with dental anxiety?

Start by telling your dentist. The American Dental Association suggests telling the receptionist when you book that you are nervous, then reminding the dentist and team when you arrive. Share bad experiences from the past and ask for coping strategies. Ask questions, since knowing what will happen can ease fear.

The practice describes its own sedation options in the text on this page, in its own words. Ask the office which options apply to you and what each one involves before your visit, so you can plan.

Small steps help too. Bring headphones, practice slow breathing, and ask for breaks. Our dental anxiety management page explains what the team does to help, and the dental anxiety guide offers more ideas. You can also read the sedation dentistry guide. To start, request an appointment.

Sedation Dentistry at Town Center Dental

Dental Anxiety Management

Questions about sedation dentistry

Read the guideSedation Dentistry: How Safe Is It, and Which Type Fits Your Visit?

What are the side effects of nitrous oxide at the dentist?

The American Dental Association says you may feel light-headed or notice tingling in your arms and legs, and some people feel their arms and legs get heavy. The effects wear off soon after the mask is removed. Tell your dentist how you feel during the visit.

Does nitrous oxide put me to sleep?

No. The American Dental Association says nitrous oxide is not intended to put you to sleep. You can hear and respond to requests from the dentist. It helps you relax while you stay aware of what is happening.

Do I still need numbing medicine with nitrous oxide?

Often yes. Nitrous oxide helps you relax, but local anesthesia is what numbs the area being treated by blocking nerves that sense pain. Your dentist decides what mix fits your visit, and you can ask about it first.

How do I know if nitrous oxide is right for me?

Talk with your dentist. The American Dental Association says to ask whether nitrous oxide would be a good option for you. Share your health history, the medicines you take, and your level of anxiety so the team can plan your care.

What can I do about dental anxiety besides sedation?

Tell your dentist about your anxiety, ask questions, agree on a hand signal, and use distraction such as headphones or slow breathing. The American Dental Association lists these steps. They help many people feel more in control during a visit.

Where can I read about the practice's other comfort options?

The sedation text on this page is the practice's own wording. Ask the office which options apply to you, what each involves, and what to do before and after your visit. The team can answer questions by phone at (636) 273-5866.

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