Happy Gas Dentistry
Happy gas, also known as laughing gas, is one of the most commonly used sedatives for dental procedures. It helps reduce stress and anxiety, allowing our dentists to perform your treatment more comfortably and efficiently.
Before deciding if happy gas is right for you, our dental team will carefully assess several factors to ensure your treatment is both safe and effective. If it’s not the best option for you, we’ll discuss alternative sedation methods and recommend the most suitable one for your needs.
What is Dental Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as happy gas or laughing gas, is highly effective in reducing stress and anxiety before a dental procedure.
This odourless, colorless gas acts as a sedative, quickly easing your worries. When inhaled, it induces a sense of calm and euphoria. However, its effects are short-lived, and you’ll return to normal within minutes after the gas is stopped.
At our Gisborne dental clinic, we use happy gas to ensure smooth and stress-free dental procedures. Not only does it help alleviate anxiety, but it also allows our team to work efficiently. Before recommending happy gas for your treatment, we will carefully assess several factors to ensure it’s the best option for you.
Why Do Dentists Use Laughing Gas?
Laughing gas is a popular and safe option for sedating patients during dental procedures. Our experienced dentists use laughing gas for a variety of treatments, from fillings to root canals and crowns. If you experience dental anxiety or phobia, laughing gas is an excellent way to help ease pain and discomfort.
For example, root canal treatments can be uncomfortable without sedation, but laughing gas helps make the process much smoother.
You might experience mild discomfort after the procedure, but it typically fades within a few hours. Rest assured, you’re in safe hands with us!
What Are the Effects of Laughing Gas?
The effects of laughing gas can vary depending on the level of sedation administered. Our dental team carefully adjusts the sedation to ensure you’re relaxed but remain awake throughout the procedure. However, you may feel so comfortable that you doze off.
Common effects of happy gas include
– Dreamlike thinking
– Feeling “giggly”
– Calmness
– Relaxation
– Lightheadedness
– A warm sensation
– Sleepiness
– Tingling in the arms and legs
After the nitrous oxide is turned off, you’ll receive oxygen for a few minutes to reduce the risk of headaches and flush out any remaining gas from your lungs, helping you feel more awake and alert. We usually recommend eating a light meal before and after the procedure to minimize the chances of nausea or vomiting.
