Laughing gas is also called nitrous oxide. Although it can be used to completely put a patient to sleep, it's usually used in small amounts, and mixed with oxygen, to relax patients during dental procedures. It reduces the fear and anxiety of a dental visit and often allows a dentist to work on a patient longer.

          Because laughing gas does not numb teeth, it must be used in combination with routine dental anaesthesia to treat dental patients. However, after a few minutes, many dental patients don't feel dental injections. Disposable masks are available. Many dentists give these masks to their patients to bring home so that their patients will know that no one else has ever used their masks.

          Laughing gas goes into the body though the lungs and is also eliminated via the lungs. It must be combined with oxygen to prevent patients from going completely out or dying from lack of oxygen. Most nitrous oxide monitors will shut off to prevent major problems from happening if the oxygen runs out. Most dentists provide oxygen to their patients for three to five minutes at the end of the dental appointment to assist the removal of gas from the patient's body.

          If you are interested in using laughing gas to make your dental visits more pleasant and would like to consult with Dr. Padolsky or Dr. Smith, make an appointment at 404-874-7428.