Laughing Gas At The Dentist: What To Expect

If you’ve chosen to be sedated with laughing gas at Santo Dental Group, you’re in good hands. Dr. Michael Santo, Dr. Miles Santo, Dr. Katelyn Domingues and Associate Dr. Meaghan McCormick are experts in sedation dentistry in Red Bank. You can trust us to provide you with top-notch care. 

But you may be wondering what to expect. What’s laughing gas like? How is it administered? How long do its after-effects last? In this blog, we’ll answer all of these questions and more. Get all the details now.

What To Expect From Your Sedation Appointment At Santo Dental Group

First things first, let’s go over the basic overview of the treatment process. Here’s what you can expect from your appointment at Santo Dental Group:

• Put on a comfortable nose mask – Once you’re settled in the chair, your Red Bank dentist will put a comfortable mask over your nose, and adjust it until it feels comfortable. This is how your laughing gas will be delivered.
• Breathe in through your nose as directed by your dentist – When it’s time for your procedure to begin, your dentist will adjust the flow of oxygen and laughing gas based on your weight, age, gender, and other factors. Then, breathe in through your nose as directed. You’ll start feeling the effects of the gas right away.

• Get local anesthesia to prevent discomfort – If numbing injections are needed, we’ll do these after you’re sedated. This helps you feel more comfortable during the process of numbing the treatment area.
• Relax throughout your treatment – Sit back, relax, and let our team take care of you. With laughing gas, you’ll feel comfortable and safe throughout your appointment at Santo Dental Group.
  
• Remove the mask when your appointment is over – When your procedure is over, your dentist will send pure oxygen through the mask to purge any remaining laughing gas, then remove it. Then, you’ll be all done!

How Does It Feel To Be Sedated With Laughing Gas?

One clue is in the name. As the name suggests, laughing gas often makes patients feel giddy and disconnected from the things that are happening around them. You may even giggle or laugh during your appointment.

However, you will remain fully conscious and responsive to commands. Laughing gas also helps suppress your gag reflex and reduces feelings of pain and discomfort, making it ideal for minor-to-moderately complex dental surgeries.

How Long Do The After-Effects Of Laughing Gas Last?

You’ll stop feeling the effects of laughing gas within 5 minutes after the gas flow is cut off. You may experience some after-effects like nausea, a headache, or dizziness for a little bit, but these are minor and pass quickly

Can I Go Back To My Normal Routine After My Appointment?

Yes, and this is one of the biggest benefits of nitrous oxide. You can drive home, or go back to school or work, and get back to your normal routine right away. This is not possible with deeper methods of sedation like pill-based oral sedation or IV sedation. 

Interested In Laughing Gas Sedation In Red Bank? Contact Us Today!

At Santo Dental Group, laughing gas sedation is one of our specialties. We’re here to help patients from all walks of life get the care they need, even if they have fear or anxiety about dental care. To learn more and find out if laughing gas sedation is right for you, contact us online or give us a call at (732) 530-1003.