Is Laughing Gas Safe?

Sometimes, before you or your child can receive dental care, the dentist might recommend laughing gas.

Also called nitrous oxide, laughing gas has been an essential component of dentistry for decades. It’s used to help patients feel perfectly calm and relaxed during their appointment when they suffer from dental anxiety, need complex procedures, or have difficulties staying in the dentist’s chair for too long.

But whenever the topic of laughing gas comes up, many patients wonder: is it truly safe?

Keep reading to find out the answer!

What Is Laughing Gas and How Does It Work?

Laughing gas is a colorless and odorless gas that patients inhale shortly before their dental procedures through a mask.

It’s a very common sedative because it’s fast-acting and can quickly leave the patient’s system. As you inhale the gas, which is mixed with oxygen, airflow to the brain is temporarily changed, which creates the euphoric and relaxing effects of the gas.

This may sound scary at first, but you should know that patients are closely monitored throughout the process, so there is nothing to worry about.

Once the procedure is over, the density switches from the gas to pure oxygen, and with every exhale, you will expel more and more of the laughing gas from your system. By the time you are ready to leave your appointment, you will no longer be under the effects of the sedative.

Is Laughing Gas Safe?

Laughing gas is perfectly safe when administered by trained professionals in a controlled setting. In fact, did you know that laughing gas is the preferred sedation method for children?

When properly administered, the risk of getting nitrous oxide is really low and is less likely to have long-term side effects when compared to other sedation options.

Of course, everyone is different, so it’s fair to say laughing gas is not for every patient. Some people may have an allergy to nitrous oxide, in which case your Terre Haute sedation dentist may recommend another type of sedation.

To put your mind at ease, you should know that at Vivid Smiles sedation is not taken lightly. Patients get this recommendation only if it’s truly necessary for them, and the type of sedation used will be chosen on a thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history.

This, coupled with the constant monitoring, makes laughing gas a perfectly safe option at Vivid Smiles!

Unlock Relaxing and Pain-free Dentistry

Whether it’s for adults or children, laughing gas is a great way to help everyone remain perfectly calm and relaxed while getting their essential dental services.

If you have more questions about it, Dr. Roshini Durga Paruchuri and Dr. Nilanchal Sahai are happy to give you more information about dental sedation and give you the smile you deserve.

Book a consultation online, and stop by to get all your oral health needs addressed!