Michael Grizzaffi, DMD

General, Cosmetic, and Sedation Dentistry

East Brunswick, New Jersey

732-257-3692

Dental Nitrous Oxide East Brunswick NJ

Nitrous oxide used in dentistry (also known as laughing gas or sweet air) is a sweet smelling, non irritating, colorless gas which you can breathe.

Nitrous Oxide has been the primary means of sedation in dentistry for many years. Nitrous oxide is safe; the patient receives 50-70% oxygen with no less than 30% nitrous oxide.

The patients are able to breathe on their own and remain in control of all bodily functions.

The patient may experience mild amnesia and may fall asleep not remembering all of what happened during their appointment.

There are many advantages to using Nitrous Oxide

  • The depth of sedation can be altered at any time to increase or decrease sedation.
  • There is no after effect such as a "hangover".
  • Inhalation sedation is safe with no side effects on you heart and lungs, etc.
  • Inhalation sedation using sweet air is very effective in minimizing gagging.
  • It works rapidly as it reaches the brain within 20 seconds. In as few as 2-3 minutes its relaxation and pain killing properties develop.

Reasons to not use Nitrous Oxide

Though there are no major contraindications to using nitrous oxide, you may not want to use it if you have emphysema, exotic chest problems, M.S., a cold or other difficulties with breathing.

You may want to ask your dentist for a "5 minute trial" of dental laughing gas to see how you feel with this type of sedation method before proceeding.