Nitrous Oxide – The Woodlands, TX

How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?

You have probably heard nitrous oxide referred to as laughing gas. When used as a sedative in a dental setting, it is mixed with oxygen and delivered through a special mask that has been fitted over your nose. Drs. Solomon and Sergerie can control the amount you receive throughout your visit depending on your personal needs. The sedative will kick in relatively quickly, but it will not make you fall asleep. You’ll simply be in a euphoric state of relaxation. You might doze off at some point, but we can very easily wake you up if need be. While using nitrous oxide, you won’t experience pain; in fact, you won’t be very aware of your surroundings at all and may not even remember what happened during the treatment later. The effects wear off in a few minutes after the mask is removed; your mental alertness will quickly return, and you’ll be able to drive yourself home.

Am I a Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide is generally available beyond request. We generally recommend it if you meet one of the following criteria:

• You have dental-related fears or anxieties, or you are otherwise nervous about an upcoming procedure.
• You have strong gag reflex that has gotten in the way of dental care in the past.
• You have trouble holding your jaw open or sitting still for long periods of time.
• You are experiencing some form of neck or back pain, tooth sensitivity, or jaw pain.

While nitrous oxide is very commonly used and is generally safe, it may not be suitable for all patients. Specifically, we don’t recommend it for those who are currently pregnant or suffer from elevated blood pressure, glaucoma, and other specific medical issues. We’ll need to review your entire medical history before your appointment so that we can avoid the risk of adverse side effects.

What is the Recovery Time?

The effects of other sedatives tend to last for hours after the appointment, and as a result you would need to make special accommodations to have a responsible adult take you home and keep an eye on you until it has fully worn off. In contrast, you’ll recover from nitrous oxide within a few minutes after you stop breathing it in; you won’t have to rely on someone else for transport or take the rest of the workday off. (There may still be follow-up instructions you’ll need to follow regarding the treatment itself, however.)