{"id":1455,"date":"2024-09-23T00:04:34","date_gmt":"2024-09-23T00:04:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.compassdentalga.com\/blog\/?p=1455"},"modified":"2024-10-23T21:14:26","modified_gmt":"2024-10-23T21:14:26","slug":"sit-back-and-relax-with-nitrous-oxide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.compassdentalga.com\/blog\/2024\/09\/23\/sit-back-and-relax-with-nitrous-oxide\/","title":{"rendered":"Will Nitrous Oxide Put Me to Sleep?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"WomanIf you have a difficult time relaxing in the dentist\u2019s chair or you require dental work, nitrous oxide can promote an enjoyable experience. Better known as \u201claughing gas,\u201d the inhaled sedative is safe for most patients, including children. Although it is part of sedation dentistry<\/a>, it will not \u201cput you to sleep.\u201d Here’s what you can expect when benefiting from nitrous oxide.<\/p>\n

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What is Nitrous Oxide?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas that has a slight sweet smell. The sedation agent is mixed with oxygen and delivered through nasal masking. Nitrous oxide slows down a patient\u2019s reaction time, which decreases awareness and sensations. It will not render you unconscious and there are minimal risks of adverse complications. It wears off just as quickly as it kicks in, so you can even drive yourself home from your appointment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Can I Expect with Nitrous Oxide?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You’ll require an initial consultation with your dentist to ensure nitrous oxide is right for you. They will learn more about your health history and your situation to ensure you’re a candidate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mask will be placed over your nose and after a few deep breaths, you’ll become very relaxed and you might get a slight case of giggles. Many patients report that their body feels warm or heavy. Some patients experience tingling in their extremities. Any anxiety or fears will fade away as you lay back comfortably in the dentist\u2019s chair. You may doze off, but you can be awakened easily to respond to your dentist\u2019s instructions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it’s time for you to go home, the masking is removed and you’ll feel normal within a few minutes. Some patients experience fragmented memory, but no core memories are affected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In rare cases, patients may experience temporary side effects, which may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n