Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide has been described as “representing the most nearly ‘ideal’ clinical sedative circumstance.”
It’s safe to use for longer periods of time if you mix it with oxygen (O2). Hence, the “laughing gas” used is called N2O-O2, and contains at least 30% oxygen (that’s all the machines used nowadays will permit). Usually, the mix is about 70% oxygen to 30% nitrous oxide. The actual mechanism of action of N2O is still unknown (it appears that there are quite a few different mechanisms at work)! However, it’s been observed that N2O depresses almost all forms of sensation – especially hearing, touch and pain, and that it seems to disinhibit some emotional centers in the brain. The desired N2O-O2 mix is fed through a tube to which a nosepiece is attached. This piece is put over your nose. All you have to do now is breathe normally through your nose – bingo! Laughing gas is used to help people be relaxed while having most general dentistry procedures (cleanings, fillings, root canal therapy, crowns, veneers).
It reaches the brain in 20 seconds, and relaxation and pain-killing properties develop after 2 to 3 minutes. Gas can be given for the exact time span it’s needed for. There’s no “hangover” effect – the gas is eliminated from the body within 3 to 5 minutes after the gas supply is stopped. You can safely drive home and don’t need an escort. For certain procedures – those involving gums rather than teeth (e. g. deep cleaning) – it may be possible to use nitrous instead of local anesthesia. However, its pain-relieving effects vary a lot from person to person and can’t be relied upon. It has very few side effects and no ill effects on the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, or brain. Nitrous oxide has been found to be very effective in eliminating or at least minimizing severe gagging.
If you can’t breathe through your nose, it can’t be used. There aren’t any major contraindications to nitrous oxide, except for M.S., emphysema and some exotic chest problems. It hasn’t been proven to be safe during the first trimester of pregnancy, so you can’t use it then. Offices that use laughing gas may be hard to find, but people from anywhere in northern New Jersey and the Millburn, Short Hills area are happy to find nitrous oxide at Tavormina Dentistry.