How Does Laughing Gas Work?

Contrary to popular belief, laughing gas is not intended to put you to sleep. You will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions the dentist may have. If you elect to use laughing gas during a procedure, your dentist will apply a mask containing nitrous oxide and ask you to breathe normally through your nose.

Within a few short minutes you should start to feel the effects of the nitrous oxide. You may feel light-headed, or your arms and legs may tingle. Some people say their arms and legs feel heavy. Ultimately, you should feel calm and comfortable.  The effects of nitrous oxide are reversed by simply breathing in regular oxygen for several minutes, so the doctor will simply remove the mask when your procedure is finished.

Other Options

In addition to laughing gas, Dr. Whitney also offers oral sedation for patients who experience moderate to severe dental anxiety. Oral conscious sedation involves taking a prescribed sedative pill before your appointment to help you feel calm during your visit. It's sometimes referred to as "sleep dentistry," although that's not entirely accurate since patients are usually awake.

If you choose this option, you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. If you take the medication about an hour before your visit, you’ll be fully relaxed by the time you arrive.

If you feel moderate to severe dental anxiety, we at Sand Springs Family Dentistry are happy to discuss which sedation option works best for you. Contact us at (918) 245-5979 to learn more!