15 Cornerstone Ct #3A, Plantsville, CT 06479
Southington Dentistry | Clenching and Grinding, Dental Crowns and Sedation Dentistry
(860) 263-0401
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How Does Laughing Gas Work?

July 21, 2022

If you are anxious about your next dental appointment, you may be looking for excuses to postpone it. In fact, numbers show that between 50% and 80% of Americans experience some level of dental anxiety, varying from mild to severe. 

The good news is that at Southington Dentistry we offer sedation dentistry to help our patients feel more relaxed and benefit from the dental treatment they need. 

If this is your first time using sedation dentistry like laughing gas, you may be wondering how it works and what effects it will have on you. 

Here's what you need to know. 

How Laughing Gas Works

Laughinggas is actually nitrous oxide, a type of gas with mild sedative effects used by dentists to help patients stay still and calm during certain dental procedures. 

The dentist will place a mask over your nose and you will start inhaling the gas. You will start feeling the effects of laughing gas in a few minutes. You will feel a sense of calm, a tingly sensation in your body, and you will be less aware of what the dentist is doing. You will, however, be conscious and able to communicate and respond to the dentist's Indications. Moreover, you won't feel that much pain either, making it easier for the dentist to administer the proper treatment. 

So, how does laughing gas do all that?

When you inhale nitrous oxide, the gas instead of oxygen will get to your lungs and from there to your brain and blood cells. This mild oxygen deprivation will make you experience a sense of calm and relaxation. 

Are There Any Side Effects? 

Laughing gas is quite safe and it can actually be used for children too. Of course, not everyone is a good candidate for nitrous oxide, so it's best to discuss your medical history with your dentist and doctor and determine if this type of dentistry is right for you. 

If it is, you should know that laughing gas is generally safe and has very mild side effects, such as: 

  • Sleepiness 
  • Headaches 
  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting 
  • Sweating 

After the procedure is over, the dentist will replace the gas flowing through your mask with some pure oxygen. This way, you can reduce the possibility of getting a headache. If you want to avoid nausea, it's a good idea to eat a bit before the procedure. 

Safe and Relaxed Dentistry at Southington Dentistry 

Is your anxiety preventing you from getting the dental treatment you need? At Southington Dentistry we offer sedation dentistry so that you can get the treatment you need and keep your oral health in proper condition. We will answer all your questions and help you understand what the process entails and what you can expect when using laughing gas or other types of sedation dentistry. 


Go to our contact us page to get in touch with us and book your appointment.

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Southington Dentistry

15 Cornerstone Ct #3A
Plantsville, CT 06479
New Patients: (860) 263-0401

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