Is nitrous oxide the same as laughing gas?

Nitrous Oxide is a laughing gas, although mixed with some Oxygen when used as a dental sedative. You might then wonder, where does it get its nickname - laughing gas?

The nickname “laughing gas” comes from the most common side effects of Nitrous Oxide sedation. Some of the common side effects are the following:

• Relaxation

• Euphoria

• Giggling/lightness

• Heavy/tingling limbs

• Intense drowsiness

• Dulling of physical sensations - pain relief

Despite these common side effects, not everyone laughs. Nitrous Oxide is a type of drug; it affects everyone differently. Few patients might even experience nausea.

What Nitrous Oxide does not do, however, is induce sleep entirely. While drowsiness occurs, a patient should not fall asleep while breathing laughing gas. It does more to relax and numb sensations than to entirely sedate.

So, what is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous Oxide is a gas which, while odorless, can be scented by the dentist or dental equipment. The dentist will place a mask, usually over the nose, on the patient to administer the gas. Some effects can take as quickly as twenty seconds, but most will take 1 to 2 minutes.

Laughing gas allows the dentist to work on your teeth while still communicating with the patient when needed. The patient should still be able to hear the dentist and respond to simple questions and requests (like opening wider).

The use of Nitrous Oxide will accompany your dentist asking for your consent beforehand. To learn more about laughing gas use during dental procedures, speak to a dentist at My Ogden Dentist!