Yerba Buena Dentistry
Overview
Nitrous oxide is a sweet-smelling, non-irritating, colorless gas that you can breathe in through a small mask placed over your nose.
Why Choose Nitrous Oxide?
- Safe, time-tested dental sedation
- Adjustable depth of sedation at any moment
- No lingering “hangover” after your visit
- Helps minimize gagging and dental anxiety
Nitrous oxide has been the primary means of sedation in dentistry for many years. It is very safe — patients receive 50–70% oxygen with no less than 30% nitrous oxide throughout the appointment.
You are able to breathe on your own and remain in control of all bodily functions during treatment. You may experience mild amnesia and may drift off to sleep, not remembering all of what happened during your visit.
There are many advantages to using nitrous oxide: the depth of sedation can be adjusted at any time to increase or decrease its effect; there is no after-effect or “hangover” feeling; inhalation sedation is safe with no side effects on your heart, lungs, or other organs; it is very effective at minimizing gagging; and it works rapidly, reaching the brain within about 20 seconds, with relaxation and pain-killing properties developing in as little as two to three minutes.
You should not use nitrous oxide if you have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Though there are no other major contraindications, you may want to avoid it if you have emphysema, certain chest conditions, multiple sclerosis, a cold, or other difficulties with breathing.
If you are unsure whether nitrous oxide is right for you, ask your dentist for a “five-minute trial” to see how you feel with this type of sedation before proceeding with treatment.
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