Nitrous Sedation

Sedation (nitrous oxide) for dental procedures

Nitrous oxide is a gas, and is commonly known as happy gas or laughing gas which is often used while treating kids but suitable for anxious adults as well.

Giving nitrous oxide is a way to help reduce pain and anxiety during dental treatment. The gas is given through a nasal mask. Usually, patients recover from the effects of the gas immediately after their dental treatment has been completed.

After the procedure Information
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Nitrous Sedation

Sedation (nitrous oxide) for dental procedures

Nitrous oxide is a gas, and is commonly known as happy gas or laughing gas which is often used while treating kids but suitable for anxious adults as well.

Giving nitrous oxide is a way to help reduce pain and anxiety during dental treatment. The gas is given through a nasal mask. Usually, patients recover from the effects of the gas immediately after their dental treatment has been completed.

Before the procedure

As a caregiver, you must give your consent to use sedation and consent for the dental procedure. You need to understand the reasons for sedation and the following risks:

  • In some cases, your child's oxygen levels may drop. If this happens, they will be given oxygen through an oxygen mask. Nurses will carefully check your child's breathing throughout the procedure.
  • Some children may vomit. Very rarely, they may breathe the vomit into their lungs, which may require some specific treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions

Fasting

Your child can have a light meal, such as jelly, soup or toast, and a drink two hours before the procedure. After that, they should have nothing to eat or drink until after the procedure.

During the procedure


Nitrous oxide sedation is given in the dental chair. Your child will breathe the sedation gas through a small nose piece that sits on their nose. It does not cover their mouth.

  • The nitrous oxide makes children feel sleepy and relaxed. Your child will still be aware of what is happening around them, but will feel dreamy and floaty, warm, and have tingling in their hands and feet. They may be a little forgetful, and might not be able to remember the procedure afterwards.
  • While giving the nitrous oxide, staff will monitor your child's level of sedation to ensure that they can still cooperate and follow verbal instructions.
  • The dental treatment will be carried out. Local anaesthesia injections may also be given so that your child doesn't feel pain. These can be given while your child is sedated.

After the procedure


Your child will recover from the effects of the nitrous oxide very quickly once their dental treatment has been completed. They will be observed for a brief period following the sedation.


Some children may feel a little sick or nauseated. If they feel sick or vomit, give your child some water to drink.

If they refuse water, try clear liquids, such as diluted fruit juice, or icy poles, jelly or clear soup to help keep your child hydrated.
 If your child has had a local anaesthetic as well, they need to be careful not to bite their lip or cheek while it is numb.

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After the procedure


Your child will recover from the effects of the nitrous oxide very quickly once their dental treatment has been completed. They will be observed for a brief period following the sedation.


Some children may feel a little sick or nauseated. If they feel sick or vomit, give your child some water to drink.

If they refuse water, try clear liquids, such as diluted fruit juice, or icy poles, jelly or clear soup to help keep your child hydrated.
 If your child has had a local anaesthetic as well, they need to be careful not to bite their lip or cheek while it is numb.

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FAQ

Check out answers to the most commonly asked questions about Nitrous Sedation

Is Nitrous Oxide Safe?
Laughing Gas Sedation is considered safe and effective in managing pain and anxiety in patients when used appropriately. Our dentists provide Nitrous Sedation to provide you with the utmost care and comfort during your treatment. After the procedure, the nitrous is turned off, and oxygen is administered for a few minutes to help flush out any remaining gas. The effects wear off almost instantly. Nitrous oxide rarely has side effects. Before performing the procedure, our general dentists at Viva Dental will provide you with pre-sedation and post-sedation instructions.
Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation have side effects?
Only a minority of patients experience side effects. These side effects can be due to the nitrous levels being too high, or if the amount of nitrous is being inhaled too quickly. The side effects can be as follows: Headaches, Shivering, Excessive sweating, Nausea, Fatigue.

FAQ

Check out answers to the most commonly asked questions about Nitrous Sedation

Is Nitrous Oxide Safe?
Laughing Gas Sedation is considered safe and effective in managing pain and anxiety in patients when used appropriately. Our dentists provide Nitrous Sedation to provide you with the utmost care and comfort during your treatment. After the procedure, the nitrous is turned off, and oxygen is administered for a few minutes to help flush out any remaining gas. The effects wear off almost instantly. Nitrous oxide rarely has side effects. Before performing the procedure, our general dentists at Viva Dental will provide you with pre-sedation and post-sedation instructions.
Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation have side effects?
Only a minority of patients experience side effects. These side effects can be due to the nitrous levels being too high, or if the amount of nitrous is being inhaled too quickly. The side effects can be as follows: Headaches, Shivering, Excessive sweating, Nausea, Fatigue.