Anesthesia · Mild Anxiety
Nitrous oxide
The gentlest sedation option, nitrous oxide is a calming inhaled medication that helps take the edge off while you remain awake and responsive. It wears off quickly after treatment, and most patients are able to drive themselves home afterward.
How It Works
Sedation dentistry: the use of laughing gas & oxygen for sedation
The calming inhalant known as laughing gas is for patients who are mildly or moderately anxious or nervous. It eases their anxieties so that they can relax and undergo treatment comfortably and safely. The gas is administered by placing a small hood over the patient's nose. As the gas takes effect, the patient becomes relaxed, but is still awake and can communicate. When the gas is turned off, the effects of sedation wear off almost immediately.
Need something stronger? Oral sedation goes deeper for moderate anxiety, and IV sedation and general anesthesia let you sleep through surgical care entirely. Your surgeon will recommend the appropriate option during your consultation based on your anxiety level, procedure, and health history.
Other sedation options
Relax through your next visit
If nerves have been keeping you away, nitrous oxide is the easiest first step. Ask us about it when you schedule your visit.