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 happy gas dentist 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 other sedation methods and recommend the most suitable one for your needs. We’re proud to be a trusted dentist that uses nitrous oxide for patients who feel nervous about dental visits.
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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, colourless gas acts as a sedative, quickly easing your worries. When inhaled, it creates a sense of calm and light euphoria. Its effects wear off quickly and you’ll return to normal within minutes after the gas is stopped.
At our Gisborne dental clinic, our nitrous oxide dentist uses happy gas to ensure smooth and stress-free dental procedures. Not only does it help ease anxiety, but it also allows our team to work efficiently. Before recommending happy gas for your treatment, we’ll carefully assess several factors to make sure it’s right for you.
Why Do Dentists Use Laughing Gas?
Laughing gas is a popular and safe option for sedating patients during dental procedures. Our experienced happy gas dentist uses laughing gas for a range of treatments, from dental implants, fillings and root canals to crowns. If you experience dental anxiety or phobia, happy gas is an excellent way to help manage pain and discomfort. It’s also commonly used during restorative dentistry to help you feel more at ease during treatment.
For example, root canal treatments can feel uncomfortable without sedation, but laughing gas helps make the process smoother. It can also be used for cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental veneers so you stay calm through a longer appointment.
You might feel mild discomfort after the procedure, but this usually fades within a few hours. Rest assured, you’re in safe hands with our caring team.
What Are the Effects of Laughing Gas?
The effects of laughing gas can vary depending on the level of sedation given. Our dental team carefully adjusts the sedation so you stay relaxed but awake throughout the procedure. You may even feel so comfortable that you drift off lightly.
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 clear any remaining gas from your lungs, which helps you feel more awake and reduces headaches. We usually suggest eating a light meal before and after your visit to reduce the chance of nausea.
