Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide/oxygen, more commonly known as “nitrous” or “laughing gas,” is a mild form of relaxation utilized during dental procedures.  When inhaled, this non-addictive gas is absorbed by the body, producing a calming effect.  Nitrous oxide eliminates the gag reflex, reduces anxiety, and produces analgesia (the inability to sense pain), thus enhancing communication between the patient and the doctor. Your child will remain fully conscious and maintain all natural reflexes when breathing nitrous oxide.  Normal breathing of 100% oxygen quickly eliminates the gas from the body.  Please refer to aapd.org  for more information on the use of nitrous oxide.  If you have any unanswered questions after reading, please call our office and one of our doctors would be happy to discuss nitrous oxide with you.