I Know it’s Called “Laughing Gas”, but Will it Put Me to Sleep?

Maybe there’s a stubborn loved one in your life who is insistent on being “put under” for intimidating dental work. Or maybe you are that someone. Jokes aside, dental anxiety is a real issue, and it can be detrimental if it’s prompting you or a family member to avoid appointments. Your oral health directly affects your general health, so it’s important to attend biannual checkups and get any oral health issues addressed right away.

It’s understandable that you might prefer being completely unconscious, and you’re right in thinking that laughing gas could help you endure a dental visit. However, it might not be for the reasons you were expecting. Keep reading to find out more.

Don’t Beat Around the Bush – Will Laughing Gas Put Me Under?

In short, no. Not directly. Some patients find laughing gas so relaxing that they happen to doze off during dental treatments. However, this sedation technique doesn’t have the chemical makeup to induce unconsciousness.

Laughing gas is a combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide – which is why you’ll sometimes hear it called “nitrous oxide sedation”. Nitrous oxide is responsible for relaxing the body, dulling discomfort, muting noises and lights, and creating a calming effect. Oxygen helps dilute the gas and makes it easier to maintain safe dosages.

With laughing gas, you likely won’t fall unconscious and you’ll likely remember your appointment. But you’ll be so comfortable that you’ll most likely remember it as a positive experience! 

Believe it or Not, You Might Want to Stay Awake for Dental Treatments

Being completely knocked out for your dental visit might sound nice, but keep in mind it would complicate your appointment.

If a substance is powerful enough to induce unconsciousness, it’s technically an anesthetic. This means an anesthesiologist would need to monitor your vital signs, you wouldn’t be able to leave until you fully wake, and you’d likely have to find a safe ride to and from the office. Even a simple cleaning could take twice as long and be much more difficult to schedule!

On the other hand, dentists are often trained to administer mild sedatives like laughing gas themselves. Laughing gas is particularly easy to administer, with dentists often remarking how simple it is to monitor the patient and ensure safe nitrous oxide dosages. The effects also wear off quickly – so quickly that you’ll likely be able to drive yourself home after your visit!

Overall, you might find your dental experience to be more pleasant with laughing gas than stronger alternatives! Patients with dental anxiety appreciate that it’s minimally invasive, quick and easy, and calming. If you think laughing gas could encourage you to visit your dentist more often, ask your dentist for a consultation. They’ll be happy to dive into the details and help you determine whether this sedation dentistry option is right for you!

About the Practice

Our team at On Point Dentistry firmly believes in compassionate patient care. We’re ready to help our patients feel comfortable and welcome, which is why we offer sedation dentistry options for those with dental anxiety. If you want to know more about laughing gas, give our office a call at 469-476-4092 or explore our website for more information.