Nitrous oxide is also called laughing gas. Although nitrous oxide gas can be used to completely put a patient to sleep, nitrous oxide is usually used in small amounts, and mixed with oxygen, to relax patients during dental procedures. Nitrous oxide reduces the fear and anxiety of a dental visit and often allows a dentist to work on a patient longer than without this effect.

          Because nitrous oxide does not numb teeth, it must be used in combination with routine dental anaesthesia to treat dental patients. However, after being placed on nitrous oxide for a few minutes, many dental patients don't feel dental injections. Disposable nitrous oxide 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.

          Nitrous oxide goes into the body though the lungs and is also eliminated via the lungs. Nitrous oxide 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 nitrous oxide from the patient's body.

          If you are interested in using nitrous oxide to make your dental visits more pleasant and would like to consult with a dentist, please call and make an appointment at 404-874-7428.