If you are nervous about an upcoming dental treatment, your dentist may have offered to give you nitrous oxide sedation. Having it for the first time can leave you with some questions, like, will it make you fall asleep? Will you still be conscious during your treatment? To get a better understanding of this sedation method, continue reading to learn more about it so you can know what to expect!
How Will I Receive Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
Commonly known as laughing gas, it is something that you breathe in before your treatment begins. It’s a mask that goes over your nose, and your dentist will ask you to breathe normally. What you are inhaling is a mix of oxygen and nitrous oxide, and after breathing it for a short time, you’ll start to feel more relaxed! Your dentist will start the treatment, and once finished, they will remove the mask. As you breathe in regular air, the effects of the laughing gas will wear off, typically after a few minutes!
Will I Fall Asleep with Laughing Gas?
In short, it won’t cause you to fall asleep. You will become more relaxed, and the sights and sounds of a dental office won’t scare you. Also, you will stay awake and be able to respond to your dentist’s questions or instructions. Some people feel so relaxed that they fall asleep, but it’s not designed to make you float into dreamland. If you do doze off, your dentist can wake you up easily.
Are There Any Side Effects to Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
Laughing gas is considered to be one of the safest forms of sedation! It is also very mild, so it can be beneficial for just about anyone. Because of this, it usually doesn’t have any negative side effects. When you are breathing nitrous oxide, you may have a slight tingling feeling in your arms and a feeling of euphoria, which is how it became known as “laughing gas!”
With that being said, once it’s removed, certain individuals may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, or fatigue. However, these symptoms wear off quickly after you stop breathing it in. More often than not, people don’t experience any of these side effects after their treatment!
In short, if you are worried about nitrous oxide sedation causing you to fall asleep, you shouldn’t worry! It’s meant to keep you awake and help you feel more relaxed while getting the care you need. It can help ensure that you have a more positive experience, on top of the delightful dental team that works to make you feel comfortable!
About the Author
Dr. Gary Nawrocki earned his Doctorate of Dentistry from the University of Florida and has four decades of experience in helping patients. If you are anxious about an upcoming treatment, he is proud to offer nitrous oxide sedation to help you feel more relaxed during your visit. To find out how laughing gas or another form of sedation can benefit you, schedule an appointment or call us at (321) 783-7514.