What is Laughing Gas and How Does it Work?

 

There is a misconception that visiting a dentist near you is often painful; it could be because years ago, there weren’t so many techniques to manage pain, and procedures were tedious and unpleasant. There is a general and irrational fear towards dentists, and actually, they are the ones that eliminate your toothaches and other dental issues.

Thanks to modern dentistry, there are ways to manage pain and anxiety in patients. If you need to undergo any treatments and you are too afraid, you may want to know more about oral sedation near you. Keep on reading to find out what laughing gas is and how it works.

Laughing Gas

It is a sedative (nitrous oxide) used in patients with dental anxiety, which is the common fear to the dentist - unpleasant noises, drills, needles, and the general environment of a dental office. Some people need it for complex treatments, such as root canal therapy and dental implant surgery; others might opt for it even for a dental cleaning.

Oral sedation in SW Edmonton helps these patients to feel more comfortable and relaxed during the dental appointment.

How Does it Work?

Two mechanisms happen in your body for the gas to calm you. First, it will react with GABA receptors to reduce the anxiety (it is what benzodiazepines do), and it will also make your body release dopamine, which is known as the feel-good neurotransmitter. These actions will make you feel happier and euphoric, and many patients tend to laugh after they receive the gas, hence the name.

Is it Safe?

Laughing gas is a safe sedative. It has been present in dental procedures for over a century and combined with oxygen, so you don’t lack any of it during your treatment. Our dentist in SW Edmonton will place a mask over your nose that you will wear during the treatment, and you will inhale the sedative through it. You will be conscious and aware of the dental procedure.

Laughing gas is safe for pregnant women and children; your dentist can vary the concentration depending on the patient, its age, and its response to it.

On the contrary, it is not advisable in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and mental health disorders. If you have any medical conditions, discuss it with your dentist to make sure that you are eligible to receive laughing gas.

Side Effects

Even though it is rare, some patients may experience symptoms like nausea, headache, sweating, and tiredness.

Duration of Laughing Gas Effects

The pleasant effects will go away a few minutes after your dentist removes your mask; however, you may experience attention issues for another ten minutes. 

If you drove to the dental appointment by yourself, ask your dentist if it’s safe driving back home. You may have to wait a short time to do so.

Before Your Appointment

Your dental professional will suggest you avoid heavy meals to prevent vomiting and nausea. You may eat something light, ensuring it’s at least three hours before the treatment.

Schedule Your Appointment

If you made it this far, now you know the perks of laughing gas and how it will make your dental appointment more pleasant.

You may benefit from it in more complex treatments, such as root canal and dental surgery, and even in mild treatments like dental cleanings and restoring a damaged tooth with a filling.

Feel free to schedule a consultation visit with us to ask any other questions you may have. During this visit, you may discuss costs, effects, and expectations regarding the treatment.