If you feel anxious about going to the dentist, you’ve probably heard of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. It’s one of the most popular and safest forms of dental sedation available—but many patients wonder, “Will nitrous oxide put me to sleep?” The short answer is no. Nitrous oxide doesn’t make you fall asleep—it helps you feel calm, comfortable, and relaxed while staying fully awake during your procedure.
How Nitrous Oxide Works
Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative that’s mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose. Within a few minutes, you’ll begin to feel light, calm, and possibly a little tingly or warm. Some patients describe the feeling as being slightly “floaty” or “dreamy,” but you’ll remain awake, alert, and responsive throughout your appointment.
Your dentist can adjust the level of sedation to match your comfort, and once the procedure is complete, the flow of nitrous oxide is turned off. You’ll then breathe pure oxygen for a few minutes to clear the gas from your system, allowing you to feel completely normal again almost immediately.
What Nitrous Oxide Does (and Doesn’t Do)
What it does:
- Reduces anxiety: You’ll feel relaxed and at ease.
- Minimizes discomfort: Nitrous oxide dulls pain sensations and helps you feel less sensitive to dental work.
- Improves your experience: It allows even nervous patients to undergo treatment comfortably.
What it doesn’t do:
- Put you to sleep: You’ll stay conscious and able to communicate with your dentist.
- Cause lingering grogginess: You can usually drive yourself home afterward.
- Completely numb your mouth: You may still receive local anesthesia for more invasive treatments.
Who Can Benefit from Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is a great option for patients who experience dental anxiety, sensitive teeth, strong gag reflexes, or mild discomfort during procedures. It’s safe for both children and adults, and its effects wear off quickly—making it one of the most convenient sedation methods available.
Nitrous oxide won’t put you to sleep, but it will make your dental visit a much more pleasant experience. You’ll stay awake and in control while feeling calm, comfortable, and worry-free. If you’ve been putting off dental care due to fear or anxiety, ask your dentist if laughing gas could help you relax through your next appointment.
About the Practice
Are you interested in sedation dentistry because of your acute anxiousness when it comes to dental visits? Maybe it’s a strong gag reflex, phobia of tools in your mouth, or inability to sit still for long procedures. Whatever the case, at La Prada Family Dentistry of Garland, we have sedation options available to ensure your experience is a pleasant one. Our calm and caring office is full of professional dentists and hygienists who put communication first. Come see why we’re a trusted provider of sedation dentistry. Make an appointment online or call (214) 227-6577.
