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Most people dislike going to the dentist, some may even struggle to get any dental treatments done due to dental anxiety. Thus, to make dental visits smoother especially for young children or for people with dental anxiety, some procedures require the use of laughing gas. You certainly have heard of laughing gas, but what exactly does laughing gas do?
Dental procedures with laughing gas – nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide, or more commonly known as laughing gas is useful as a conscious sedation method. When combined with oxygen, it acts as a safe and effective sedative agent to manage pain and anxiety during dental treatments. Laughing gas is odourless, colourless, works rapidly and its effects are reversible.
Laughing gas flows through a small mask that fits over the nose and results in a calm, pleasurable feeling while slowing down the body’s reaction time. However, this sedation is not intended to put you into sleep. While being sedated with laughing gas, you will be able to hear and respond to any instructions or directions the dentist may have. Some may describe the sedation feeling as dreamy, relaxed with tingling in their hands and feet.
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During the dental procedure, the dental staff will monitor the level of sedation to ensure you are awake to cooperate and follow verbal directions. Local anaesthesia injections may still be given to minimise any discomfort. The effects of nitrous oxide will wear off soon after the mask is removed. Besides that, you may receive oxygen administration after the sedation to clear any remaining gas from your body. This can help you to regain alertness after the procedure.
Side effects
Like any type of drugs, nitrous oxide has its potential side effects. These side effects happen usually as a result of inhaling too much gas or too rapidly.
Several common short-term side effects include:
- Excessive sweating
- Shivering
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Hallucinations or sound distortion
Contraindications
Although nitrous oxide is a safe method for sedation, it is not recommended for everyone. Following are some contraindications:
- Pregnant women in first trimester
- History of respiratory disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
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- B-12 Deficiency
- MTHFR Gene Mutation (Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency)
- History of mental health conditions
- History of substance use disorders
Take-home message
Nitrous oxide is a safe and common sedation method for both adults and children use. Side effects are usually mild and reversible but not everyone is a suitable candidate. Consult a dentist to determine if you are a right fit for this method of sedation.
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by Soh May Leng
Born and raised in Malaysia, May Leng obtained her Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago, New Zealand. She has joined the GetDoc team to relay valuable health information to the public. Staying active plays a big part in her daily life especially through outdoor sports such as running and swimming. She also enjoys travelling and has a passion for photography. View all articles by Soh May Leng.
