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Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas)

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Nitrous oxide is a sweet-smelling, non-irritating, colorless gas which you can breathe.

Nitrous oxide has been the the primary means of sedation in dentistry for many years. Nitrous oxide is safe.  The patient receives 50-70 percent oxygen with no less than 30 percent nitrous oxide. The patient is able to breathe on their own and remain in control of all bodily functions.

The patient may experience mild amnesia and may fall asleep, not remembering all of what happened during their appointment.

There are many advantages to using nitrous oxide.

• The depth of sedation can be altered at any time to increase or decrease sedation.
• There is no after effect such as a "hangover".
• Inhalation sedation is safe with no side effects on your heart and lungs, etc.
• Inhalation sedation is very effective in minimizing gagging.
• It works rapidly as it reaches the brain within 20 seconds. In as little as two to three minutes, its relaxation and pain-killing properties develop.

Reasons not to use nitrous oxide.

You should not utilize nitrous oxide if you have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Though there are no other major contraindications to using nitrous oxide, you may not want to use it if you have emphysema, exotic chest problems, M.S., a cold, or have other difficulties with breathing.

You may want to ask your dentist for a "five-minute trial" to see how you feel with this type of sedation method before proceeding.