Do you have a dental phobia? If so, you may want to consider asking our team of dentists about the benefits of laughing gas.

Laughing gas (also known as nitrous oxide) helps patients of all ages relax in the chair so they can get the dental care they need.

To administer laughing gas, our sedation dentists will gently place a breathing mask over your nose that supplies oxygen mixed with nitrous oxide. Within a few minutes, you should start to feel relaxed.

Not only is laughing gas safe, but it’s quick to act and quick to wear off.

What is Laughing Gas Used For?

Laughing gas can be used for a range of dental procedures, from cleaning teeth to filling cavities. However, keep in mind that certain procedures may also require local anesthesia to manage pain. Our dentists will be able to manage pain and dental anxiety so you can maintain good oral health.

Laughing gas is well suited for patients who have dental anxiety or special needs that make it difficult for them to get emergency dental care. If this describes your situation, consult with our dentists about whether laughing gas or other types of sedation dentistry are an option.

Quick to Relax

Laughing gas isn’t considered “sleep dentistry” because you’re awake and responsive during the procedure. What laughing gas does is help you relax while sitting in the dentist’s chair so you can get the care you need to maintain a healthy smile.

One of the side effects of laughing gas is feeling giddy. As a result, you may giggle a little during treatment, but still be able to cooperate with our Grand Rapids, MI dentists.

If you have a dental phobia, we may encourage you to talk about the root of your fear. For example, some patients have dental anxiety because they’re afraid of feeling helpless or losing control.

Compared with other types of sedation dentistry, laughing gas relaxes you without putting you to sleep.

Quick to Wear Off

Laughing gas wears off quickly, which means you’ll be able to return to work or school after your dentist appointment. The calming effect of the gas wears off as soon as we remove the breathing mask covering your nose.

In contrast, you would need to have someone drive you home after oral sedation so you could recover at home for the rest of the day. You shouldn’t experience grogginess or sleepiness after being given laughing gas, which decreases recovery time.

Reduces Feelings of Pain and Discomfort

Did you know that laughing gas actually has analgesic, or pain-relieving, properties? Yes, it’s true. Laughing gas can help manage both your pain and anxiety while in the dental chair.

When laughing gas is combined with numbing, there is little to no pain felt during a procedure.

No Lingering Side Effects

Laughing gas is safe for people of all ages because there are no lingering side effects. In fact, adults who are given laughing gas are able to drive themselves home after dental procedures.

While breathing in laughing gas, you may feel light-headed or like your limbs are heavy. These symptoms are normal reactions to the laughing gas and disappear almost immediately after removing the breathing mask.

While breathing in laughing gas, you’ll feel safe and relaxed in the chair.

Make an Appointment Today

Our sedation dentists in Grand Rapids, MI want to help you feel comfortable in the dentist’s chair. To schedule your next appointment with GR Family Dental, call (616) 455-3020.

This blog post has been updated.