When Dr. Josh Haycock recommends laughing gas to patients, they often pause.
Not so much because of any associated risks with dental sedation, but because of how it may make them behave.
Everyone knows the image of the person at the dentist’s who is talking nonsense or disclosing really private things to their dentist, so it’s natural to wonder:
Will this happen to me?
Well, the short answer is no. Laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide, is not a truth serum, nor will it cause major effects on how you behave.
Let’s quickly understand how laughing gas works, and what effects it will have on you.
What Is Laughing Gas?
Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative that helps people remain perfectly calm and relaxed while getting dental work. It’s usually recommended for patients who:
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Need extensive dental work
- Have difficulties lying still
- Suffer from severe dental anxiety
You will inhale laughing gas through a mask placed on your nose. As you inhale, you’ll begin to feel calmer, and perhaps a little giggly, which is where the name comes from. While it can lower your inhibitions lightly, the effects are not strong enough to make you engage in any bizarre behavior.
How Long Do the Effects Last?
Patients can often drive themselves home after getting nitrous oxide. Once the procedure is over, the dentist switches from the oxygen-nitrous oxide mixture to just oxygen.
And with every exhale, you will push away all traces of the gas, and by the end of your appointment, you’ll no longer be under its effects.
Is Laughing Gas Safe?
Laughing gas is one of the safest dental sedation options – so much so, that it’s the primary sedative used for children.
Some patients may experience mild side effects, such as:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Confusion or disorientation
However, these symptoms usually go away once the laughing gas is out of your system. Your Dacula sedation dentist will switch to oxygen as soon as they notice you’re feeling any discomfort because of the sedative, and recommend an alternative.
Am I a Good Candidate for Laughing Gas?
Laughing gas is great, but it might not be for everyone. If you’re allergic to nitrous oxide, are pregnant, or suffer from an underlying medical condition, Dr. Haycock might recommend an alternative sedative.
Not to worry though – dental sedation is only used when it is truly necessary, and the sedative itself is never administered unless the patient’s medical history has been thoroughly reviewed.
Get Comfortable Dental Care at Auburn Hills Family Dentistry
You should not feel anxious or uncomfortable while restoring your oral health. Dr. Josh Haycock can recommend the appropriate dental sedation that will help you stay perfectly relaxed during your treatment.
Book a consultation online, or call us at (678) 804-8818 to find out more about our dental services.
