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

          Because dental nitrous oxide does not numb teeth, it must be used in combination with routine dental anaesthesia to care for dental patients. However, after being placed on dental 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 they will know that no one else has ever used their masks.

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

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