Nitrous oxide
For nervous patients, strong gag reflexes, and anyone who needs to drive themselves home.
Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative — laughing gas — mixed with oxygen and breathed through a small mask that sits over your nose. It is the lightest sedation offered here: you stay awake, you can talk, and it wears off before you leave.
Any of these sound familiar?
- The thought of an appointment makes you tense for days beforehand.
- You gag on X-ray films, impressions or the suction.
- Needles or the sound of the drill make you feel faint.
- You want the edge taken off but need to drive yourself back to work.
- Your child needs a filling and finds it hard to sit through one.
Start to finish.
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01
Health check first
Dr. Malik goes over your medical history and medications before offering the gas. A blocked nose, some lung conditions and early pregnancy rule it out, and he will say so.
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02
The mask goes on
A soft mask sits over your nose and you breathe normally through it for a few minutes. Nothing covers your mouth, so Dr. Malik can work and you can still talk.
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03
Finding your level
Dr. Malik gives the gas himself and adjusts the mix until you feel settled. We agree on a hand signal first: raise it and he stops, for a rinse, a breath or a minute.
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04
Freezing as well
Nitrous does not numb the tooth, so the area is still frozen the usual way once you are settled. Most people mind the needle much less by then.
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05
Oxygen and home
When the work is done you breathe plain oxygen for about five minutes and the gas clears. We check you feel steady before you go, and most people drive themselves home.
What it costs, and who pays.
Nitrous oxide is billed on top of the treatment you are having, usually by the time the gas runs. The number of visits depends on the work, not the sedation. Some plans cover part of the cost and some cover none, so we check yours before the appointment.
Ask for a written estimateNitrous oxide, answered.
What does laughing gas feel like?
Warm, a little floaty, and less bothered by what is going on around you. You stay awake and can answer questions. Some people notice tingling in their hands or feet, which passes once the mask comes off.
Can I drive home after nitrous oxide?
In most cases, yes. The gas leaves your body within minutes of breathing oxygen at the end, and we check you feel clear before you go. If you do not, you sit until you do, and the LRT stops out front.
Is nitrous oxide safe for children?
It is the sedation most commonly used with children. Dr. Malik decides with you based on your child's age, health and whether they will keep the mask on. A child who cannot breathe through their nose gets nothing from it.
Can I have nitrous oxide if I am pregnant?
Usually not in the first three months, and after that only if your doctor agrees. Tell us if you are pregnant or think you might be, and we will plan the appointment another way.
