If the thought of visiting a dentist makes your heart race, you are not alone. Dental anxiety is very common, and for some people it is strong enough to delay treatment for years. At M R Balaji Dental Clinic, we believe no patient should suffer because they are afraid of the dentist. Nitrous oxide sedation is one of the gentlest ways we help.
Key Takeaways
- Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, helps you feel calm and relaxed during dental treatment.
- You stay awake, can talk to us at any time and remain in control.
- The effects wear off within a few minutes after treatment.
What Is Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas that is mixed with oxygen and breathed in through a small, comfortable mask over your nose. It has been used safely in dentistry for many decades. Within a few minutes, most people feel calm, a little light and less worried about what is happening around them.
It is called inhalation sedation because you simply breathe normally. There are no injections needed for the sedation itself.
How Does It Feel?
Everyone is different, but patients often describe:
- a warm, relaxed feeling in the arms and legs
- feeling calm and less bothered by sounds and smells
- a light, pleasant tingling
- time seeming to pass more quickly
You remain awake and aware. You can hear us, answer questions and let us know if you need a break. Nitrous oxide is not a general anaesthetic, so you will not be put to sleep.
Sedation does not take away your control. It takes away the fear, so you can get the care you need.
Dr. Balaji M
Who Can Benefit?
- adults and children who feel anxious about dental visits
- people with a strong gag reflex
- patients having longer treatments, such as root canals or minor oral surgery
- anyone who has had a difficult dental experience in the past
Before using sedation, Dr. Balaji will check your medical history. Nitrous oxide may not be suitable during early pregnancy, with certain lung conditions, or when a heavy cold or blocked nose makes it hard to breathe through your nose. We will always discuss the safest option for you.
What Happens on the Day?
- We talk first. We explain the treatment and the sedation, and answer your questions.
- You relax in the chair. A small mask is placed gently over your nose.
- We adjust the level. We start with pure oxygen and slowly add nitrous oxide until you feel comfortable.
- Treatment begins. We check on you throughout. For most treatments we still use a local anaesthetic to numb the tooth.
- Recovery is quick. At the end, you breathe pure oxygen for a few minutes and the effects fade.
Most people feel back to normal within minutes. We will check you are fully alert before you leave and give you clear advice for the rest of the day.
Trained Care You Can Trust.
Dr. Balaji M holds a Fellowship in Nitrous Oxide Inhalation Sedation, so your comfort and safety are in trained hands. You can read more about his training on our About page, and more about sedation dentistry on our Services page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nitrous oxide safe?
Nitrous oxide has been used in dentistry for many decades and is considered very safe when given by a trained dentist with proper monitoring. Dr. Balaji checks your medical history before treatment to make sure it is suitable for you.
Will I be asleep during treatment?
No. You stay awake and can talk to us throughout. You will simply feel more calm and relaxed than usual.
Can children have nitrous oxide?
Yes. Nitrous oxide is often used to help anxious children feel comfortable during dental treatment. We will always talk to parents first and explain everything clearly.
How long do the effects last?
The effects wear off within a few minutes once the gas is stopped and you breathe pure oxygen. Most people can return to their normal routine the same day. We will give you clear advice before you leave.
If fear has kept you away from the dentist, we would love to help you take the first step. Message us on WhatsApp or contact us, and tell us how you feel. We will listen.
Sources and further reading: American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Nitrous oxide; American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Dental anxiety.
