Laughing gas is an odorless, colorless mix of nitrogen and oxygen gases that is used during dental visits to relieve dental anxiety and help patients have more comfortable experiences in the dental chair. Our sedation services are safe and effective, and we always review the patient’s medical history and treatment plan and obtain parent permission before administering dental sedation. To learn more or schedule your next visit with our team, please contact us!
Contact UsThe name “laughing gas” can lead patients to believe that they will feel like laughing throughout their entire treatment. While this is possible, laughing gas typically puts patients at ease and may make them feel light-headed. Laughing gas can also make dental appointments feel like they are going by faster than they actually are, patients are less aware of what’s happening around them, and they may not remember as much of their appointment as they normally would. In general, patients tend to feel calm and relaxed with laughing gas.
Laughing gas typically comes with few to no side effects, and many patients feel just a little more tired and worn out post-treatment. Nausea can sometimes be a side effect of laughing gas, so we recommend that patients eat a light meal before their treatment and avoid heavy meals for a few hours post-treatment to help with this. Other common side effects can include headache, dizziness, and dry mouth. If your child ever develops a fever or you are concerned about they are reacting to their treatment, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.
Kids are usually fine to return to their normal routines after receiving laughing gas. Whether or not your child returns to school after their visit will depend more on the dental treatment they received. If they had one or more dental extractions, for example, they should go straight home to rest and recover due to the nature of their treatment. Kids who utilize laughing gas to relax during routine cleanings and exams, on the other hand, are typically given the O.K. to return to school. Our team can assess your child’s situation and offer personalized advice.