Will Nitrous Oxide Sedation Put You to Sleep?

If you’ve never had nitrous oxide sedation administered at the dentist’s office before, you may be wondering what it will be like. Will the gas simply relax you, or will it actually cause you to fall asleep until your treatment is done? It’s important to have an accurate idea of what to expect before you commit to dental sedation of any kind. Here’s a look at what you will typically experience when you receive nitrous oxide sedation.

How Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation Work?

At the beginning of your treatment, your dentist will place a mask over your nose. You will breathe in the nitrous oxide (which will be mixed with oxygen) through this mask. After breathing in the sedative for a short time, you will start to feel more relaxed. Once your treatment is complete, the mask will be removed. At that point, you will simply need to wait until the effects of the nitrous oxide wear off, which usually takes a matter of minutes.

So, Will Nitrous Oxide Sedation Cause You to Fall Asleep?

No, nitrous oxide sedation will not cause you to fall asleep. You will be more relaxed than usual, and you won’t be bothered by the sights and sounds of the dental office; however, you will remain awake and capable of responding to your dentist’s instructions and answering their questions.

There is a chance that you could doze off while under the effects of nitrous oxide sedation due to your advanced state of relaxation. That said, if that happens, your dentist will be able to wake you up easily.

Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation Have Any Notable Side Effects?

While nitrous oxide sedation does not make you fall asleep, it can cause a tingling feeling in your arms and legs. On top of that, it is known to induce feelings of euphoria, which can make some patients more prone to giggling; this is why nitrous oxide is also known as “laughing gas.”

Nitrous oxide sedation is considered to be very safe, and it usually doesn’t have any negative side effects. That said, certain individuals may experience dizziness, headaches, fatigue, or nausea. Fortunately, you can usually expect these symptoms to wear off within minutes once you stop breathing in the gas.

In short, when you receive nitrous oxide sedation, you can expect to stay awake but highly relaxed, which can go a long way toward helping you have a more positive dental experience. Talk to your dentist today if you’re interested in learning more about nitrous oxide sedation and whether it would be a good fit for you.

About the Author

Dr. Steve W. Cobb has more than 45 years of dental experience. He keeps up with the latest scientific research so that he can continue to update the care that he’s able to provide his patients. He offers nitrous oxide sedation for those who are anxious about having any sort of dental treatment performed. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Cobb at his practice in Odessa, visit his website or call (432) 367-4774.