An Overview
Nitrous Oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is a form of anesthetic under the umbrella of sedation dentistry that is often regularly administered to patients who undergo dental procedures. Whether the procedure is as conventional as a dental cleaning or as comprehensive as root canal therapy, laughing gas is an ideal tool for dentists to use on anxiety ridden patients. For certain individuals, a simple dental visit can be an extremely difficult task and can often lead to severe bouts of anxiety or panic. Using Nitrous Oxide or laughing gas enables patients to feel comfortable and calm while they are being treated for their dental or oral conditions.
Unlike other sedation services such as IV sedation or general anesthesia that often cause you to go into a deep sleep or fall unconscious, Nitrous Oxide or laughing gas is just a mild sedative that will keep you conscious but in a more relaxed state. Many patients may wonder or ask “what does laughing gas feel like?,” and the answer will be a mild feeling of being lightheaded, a numbing feeling throughout parts of your body, and a tingling sensation causing you to react with laughter. Under laughing gas you retain the ability to communicate, thus making it easier for your dentist to direct you while undergoing your dental procedure.
Benefits Offered
There are many benefits associated with using Nitrous Oxide or laughing gas. Among them is that, the administration of laughing gas is non invasive and does not require the use of a needle. Laughing gas is administered by simply inhaling and breathing it in through a facemask. Other benefits include the speed in which laughing gas can be administered, the ability to adjust the strength of the sedation, how safe it is for your organs, and its ability to keep anxious patients relaxed.
Harmful Side Effects
Using Nitrous Oxide or laughing gas is relatively safe and does not pose major health risks, however you may experience some side effects should you inhale too much of the gas. If this is the case, you may experience short term side effects including nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. In addition there is a possibility for an allergic reaction to occur, which is often characterized by a fever, hives, and difficulty breathing.
At Kemptville Smiles Dentistry your comfort is our top priority. By using laughing gas, we can alleviate the anxiety you may be feeling. Contact us today at (613) 258-7373 to learn more.