Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide/oxygen (N2O-O2) is a blend of two gases — oxygen and nitrous oxide. A fitted mask is placed over the nose and, as the patient breathes normally, uptake occurs through the lungs. At the end of treatment, it is eliminated after a short period of breathing oxygen and has no lingering effects.

Nitrous oxide/oxygen is perhaps the safest sedative in dentistry. It is well tolerated. It has a rapid onset, is reversible, can be adjusted in various concentrations and is non-allergenic. Your child remains fully conscious — keeps all natural reflexes — when breathing nitrous oxide/oxygen. He/she will be capable of responding to a question or request. Nitrous oxide/oxygen may also be used in combination with other sedative agents

You  will  experience a sense of well-being and relaxation. Since it may produce a feeling of giddiness or euphoria, it is often called “laughing gas.” Children sometimes report dreaming and their arms and legs may feel “tingly.” It raises the pain threshold and may even make the time appear to pass quickly. If your child is worried by the sights, sounds or sensations of dental treatment, he or she may respond more positively with the use of nitrous oxide/oxygen.

The goal sought when laughing gas is used is to eliminate dental anxiety, making the patient more comfortable while Dr. Bufano is able to more effectively complete the planned dental care procedure while the patient is sedated.

A small rubber inhaler will be placed over the patient’s nose and adjusted so that the patient is comfortable

Dental nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is great for relaxing dental appointments.

If you’re anxious about dental appointments, or you’ve hard to get numb, you’ll find that nitrous oxide will take the edge off and help you relax, besides strengthening the novocain.

And one of the nice things about it is that, while it is an excellent sedative while you’re breathing it, since it is a gas, it wears off immediately at the end of the appointment. You breathe oxygen for a couple of minutes, and all the nitrous oxide comes out of your system. You can drive home, go back to work, or back to whatever else you need to do.