Dentistry with laughing gas

What is laughing gas?

Laughing gas (nitrous oxide) is a gas with a calming effect that can also reduce the feeling of pain. In dentistry it is given mixed with oxygen through a small mask that sits over your nose.

The effect usually starts within a few minutes. You stay awake throughout the treatment, breathe on your own and can talk to the dentist. Some people feel warm or light in the body and feel that time passes more quickly.

Who is laughing gas suitable for?

Laughing gas can suit people who feel anxious about visiting the dentist, find it hard to relax during treatment or have a strong gag reflex. It can also make longer treatments easier.

The dentist decides whether laughing gas is right for you based on your health, your needs and the planned treatment. For it to work well, you need to be able to breathe through your nose and be comfortable wearing the nose mask during treatment.

Laughing gas for children

Laughing gas can be a helpful addition to children's dentistry, especially when a child feels anxious or finds it hard to relax. We give the child time to get used to the mask and explain the treatment in a simple way. The first laughing gas visit is usually a practice appointment, with little or no actual dental treatment.

The aim is to make treatment easier for the child and to create a positive experience at the dentist. Laughing gas comes on top of gradual familiarisation, calm communication and building trust. It doesn't suit every child, and we work out the best approach together with the parents each time.

How does the treatment work?

Before treatment starts, we go over your health, any medication and your previous experiences at the dentist. You then get a small mask over your nose and breathe calmly through it.

Oxygen is given first, and then laughing gas is mixed in. The strength is adjusted to your needs and how you feel during treatment. We monitor you the whole time, and you can tell us if you need a break or feel any discomfort.

At the end, the laughing gas is turned off and you breathe oxygen for a few minutes. The effect wears off within a few minutes.

Do I still need local anaesthetic with laughing gas?

Yes, local anaesthetic is still used when the treatment needs it. Laughing gas mainly reduces anxiety and helps you relax, but it doesn't replace local anaesthetic. It can, however, make that part of the treatment easier for people who are nervous about injections.

What should I keep in mind before my appointment?

We'll give you instructions on how to prepare, including what to eat and drink beforehand. It's best to avoid a large or heavy meal right before treatment.

Let us know about any illnesses, medication, pregnancy or recent operations. If you or your child has a cold or a blocked nose, please contact us before you come in, as it can be hard to breathe in the laughing gas.

Does laughing gas have side effects?

Laughing gas is usually well tolerated when it's used in the right conditions and under supervision. Side effects can still happen, such as nausea, dizziness or a headache. Let us know if you feel unwell so we can adjust or stop the gas.

How will I feel after treatment?

The effect of laughing gas usually wears off quickly once it's stopped. Before you go home, we check how you feel and make sure you've fully recovered.

You'll get instructions on what to keep in mind after your appointment, including driving and your plans for the rest of the day. You'll also need to follow any advice about the dental treatment itself, for example if the local anaesthetic is still working.

Could laughing gas help you or your child?

If you or your child feel anxious about visiting the dentist, you're welcome to get in touch and talk through the options with us. We'll assess whether laughing gas is right for you and plan the treatment together.

Send us an appointment request or call 482-3333.