Laughing Gas

What is laughing gas?

Laughing gas or nitrous oxide is an odorless and colorless gas that has been safely employed to improve patient experience during dental treatment for many decades. Nitrous oxide is mixed with pure oxygen and is rarely ever used beyond the ratio of 40% Nitrous oxide and 60% Oxygen. The gas is administered through a nasal mask and produces a sensation of relaxation and tingling hands/feet. There is no sedative effect during or after the appointment, and patients can follow all instructions and breathe independently during the procedure.

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Is it safe?

The use of Laughing gas in the state of Pennsylvania requires a special license for the dentist and all machines have a fail-safe mechanism that prevents administration of over 70% nitrous oxide for patient safety. The use of laughing gas has very few medical restrictions and is safe for children with asthma due to the high levels of oxygen being administered through the machine. It is extremely safe to use but we request you to inform the dentist of any changes in your child’s health history since the last visit. At the end of the appointment the gas is “flushed out” of the system by administering 100% oxygen for 5 minutes. After the procedure patients will leave with absolutely no effects on their cognition or balance.. 

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When is it recommended?

Dental treatment is often a difficult experience for people of all ages, but particularly in the case of children any means of enhancing cooperation is welcome. Employing laughing gas can provide several advantages such as:

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- relaxing patient for longer appointment
- reducing gag reflex
- alleviating anxiety
- increasing pain threshold
- limiting unnecessary head movement
- restricting patient’s view of the tools and instruments being used by the dentist

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These merits make laughing gas a great first line of treatment for children willing to sit and breathe through the mask. The dentist will still need to numb the tooth to complete treatment, but the patient will likely be more cooperative during the procedure.

 

What are the limitations?

The limitations of laughing gas include the necessity for the child to sit still and breathe through the mask. It is also not an effective tool for patients with high anxiety and extensive treatment needs, in which case sedation is the safer choice. Please note that the laughing gas should not be used on or near pregnant women and it is essential to inform the dentist if this is the case.​

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