Laughing Gas

Nitrous Oxide (N2O) is a colorless and odorless gas usually referred to as “laughing gas.” When inhaled, laughing gas produces a euphoric sensation by slowing down all of the body’s responses. Laughing gas sedation is often used to treat pain while ensuring optimal relaxation. It works immediately but also wears off relatively soon, making it suitable for simple procedures like a dental cleaning.

Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is combined with oxygen and channeled through a small mask that the dentist places over your nose. Nitrous oxide helps you relax, alleviating anxiety and distress. Your laughing gas dentist may recommend nitrous oxide if they sense discomfort or anxiety. Laughing gas for kids is commonplace because they’re often anxious, and laughing gas sedation helps them calm down, making them more likely to go for regular dental checkups.

When you receive laughing gas, it displaces the air in your lungs, preventing oxygen flow into your brain and blood. This mild and controlled oxygen deprivation leads to mild hallucinations, often inducing giggles. It doesn’t put you to sleep, so you can still listen to the dentist and respond to their requests. You may also feel some light-headedness and tingling in your arms and legs. Sometimes, laughing gas may also make your legs feel heavy.

Laughing gas works quickly, taking effect as soon as you breathe it in. However, it also loses effect just as quickly, wearing off about two minutes after you stop receiving it. As such, the dentist must supply a steady stream for the entire procedure to maintain the effects of the gas. Since laughing gas is a mild sedative, it is only used for simple and quick dental procedures, such as teeth cleaning.

Children often suffer from anxiety related to dental procedures. Dentists are often taught about “white-knuckled” patients, i.e., patients who are so terrified of dental procedures that they firmly grip the ends of their dental chair till their knuckles turn white. Children who continue suffering anxiety related to dentistry may grow up with a phobia that makes them less likely to go for regular dental checkups.

As such, laughing gas for kids helps alleviate anxiety and ensure your children aren’t too terrified of dentists. Laughing gas is a mild sedative and approved by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, so it’s completely safe for children. With laughing gas for kids, they won’t feel any fear, anxiety, or distress. Laughing gas also prevents them from feeling any pain. As such, your kids will be more willing to go for regular dental checkups.