{"id":98,"date":"2024-11-21T16:26:47","date_gmt":"2024-11-21T16:26:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rnrdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=98"},"modified":"2024-12-11T16:28:45","modified_gmt":"2024-12-11T16:28:45","slug":"will-nitrous-oxide-put-me-to-sleep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rnrdentistry.com\/blog\/2024\/11\/will-nitrous-oxide-put-me-to-sleep\/","title":{"rendered":"Will Nitrous Oxide Put Me to Sleep and Other Sedation Dentistry Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you suffer from dental anxiety or fear of the dentist, or if you have a sensitive gag reflex, you may benefit from nitrous oxide sedation (also known as laughing gas). The most common type of dental sedative used today, it is considered safe for patients of all ages, including children.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But while it has been used by dentists for decades, many patients still have questions about it. Here are a few common queries you may have if you\u2019re considering sedation dentistry with nitrous oxide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What is Nitrous Oxide?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This colorless, sweet-smelling gas is mixed with oxygen and delivered via a nose mask during your dental appointment. It creates a sense of calm by slowing your reaction time, allowing you to feel relaxed enough to undergo dental treatment without anxiety.  Best of all, it doesn\u2019t need to be reserved for just major procedures. You can even use it for routine cleanings and exams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are some patients who may not be suitable for nitrous oxide due to medical issues or advanced age, so be sure to speak to your dentist and discuss your medical history and any medications (OTC or prescription) that you are currently taking prior to your appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Side Effects of Nitrous Oxide<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unlike other methods of sedation, nitrous oxide begins working quickly and leaves the system just as punctual. It takes about five minutes to be effective, and once your procedure is done, your dentist will turn off the nitrous gas and deliver pure oxygen through your nose mask for five minutes. This allows it to completely exit your body, and you will be able to leave feeling no lingering side effects. You can even drive yourself home and return to work or school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some rare cases, patients may feel sleepy during treatment, but nitrous oxide should not put you to sleep. Other side effects that are rarely experienced but still possible, include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n