The More You Know: Is Nitrous Oxide Sedation Safe?

With the opioid epidemic still affecting millions of people and FDA recalls of medications, it makes sense if you’re a little apprehensive to receive a drug you’re not familiar with. You want to know what’s going into your body and about its risks and side effects to have the peace of mind that it’s safe.

When you get more advanced oral work done with a periodontist, they may recommend taking advantage of dental sedation to help you relax and have a more comfortable experience in the chair, but is nitrous oxide considered a safe drug? Learning more about it can help put your concerns to rest.

What Is Nitrous Oxide Sedation?

Nitrous oxide sedation is a gas that is mixed with oxygen and is inhaled by the patient through a nasal mask. Within minutes, the effects of the chemical manifest, creating a calm, warm feeling in the body. Depending on the patient’s tolerance and size, the concentration of the gas can be increased or decreased at any point in the appointment to find the right state of relaxation. Once the specialist is finished, the nasal mask is removed from the patient’s face.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide Sedation?

As the gentlest form of dental sedation, nitrous oxide is mainly used for patients who have mild anxiety or who are undergoing relatively short procedures. Because of its light effects and the ability to adjust it, this gas can be used on almost any patient. In fact, it is even safe enough to use on children!

In other words, if you need a little help staying calm and comfortable during your treatment, nitrous oxide is a great option to consider.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Nitrous Oxide Sedation?

Overall, nitrous oxide comes with exceptionally few risks. In some rare cases, it may cause nausea, but most patients tolerate this sedative with no ill effects at all. During treatment, you remain aware of your surroundings, but you simply feel content and unbothered by them. After your appointment, you should be able to recall clearly what happened as well.

Unlike with other forms of dental sedation, nitrous oxide doesn’t stay in your system for several hours. Getting IV and oral conscious sedation requires having someone drive you home. After the nasal mask is removed, the effects of nitrous oxide typically wear off within several minutes. In fact, you can get in your car and drive without worrying about impairment.

It’s perfectly sensible to question whether a sedative or drug is safe, but when it comes to nitrous oxide sedation, you can receive it with peace of mind. It is perfectly safe and can make your whole experience with the periodontist more pleasant.

About the Practice

At Lincoln Park Periodontal and Dental Implant Group, Dr. Andrew Barnett performs advanced periodontal treatment, including dental implant placement, gum disease treatment, cosmetic gum procedures, and more. In the practice, he offers three forms of dental sedation: nitrous oxide, IV, and oral conscious sedation. If you have questions about taking advantage of sedation for your procedure, feel free to reach out to our Dallas office online or call us at 214-691-2614.