Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is one of the safest anti-anxiety agents available in the dental office. It can produce relaxation and a mild sedated state for anxious dental patients.

Nitrous oxide is nonallergenic, and its effects are completely reversible within a couple of minutes. This ease of reversal allows you to drive home safely or go to work immediately after your dental visit.

Nitrous oxide can be used for all dental procedures and is available for your hygiene visits as well.

Near the completion of your dental care, we will provide you with 100% oxygen to reverse the effects of the nitrous oxide. Within a few minutes you are ready to independently resume your normal activities. Providing excellent care in a safe and comfortable environment is always our most important priority.

Most patients are good candidates for nitrous oxide therapy. The depth of relaxation can be adjusted depending on your level of anxiety.

The nitrous oxide is delivered through a simple nosepiece that is connected to nitrous and oxygen lines. Just breathing normally through your nose will provide you a feeling of slight numbness, security, and warmth. While it is rare that anyone truly laughs as the name implies, nearly everyone experiences a level of pleasant euphoria. Many patients ask if they can take some home!

With patients who have severe apprehension, nitrous oxide is used in conjunction with oral medication to produce a deeper level of sedation. If you feel nitrous oxide alone would not be adequate for you to be comfortable during your dental visit, see our section on sedation dentistry.