Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide has been the primary means of sedation in dentistry for many years. Nitrous oxide is safe; the patient receives 50–70 percent oxygen with no less than 30 percent nitrous oxide. It is a sweet smelling, non–irritating, colorless gas which is inhaled. The patient is able to breathe on his or her own and remain in control
of all bodily functions.

The patient may experience mild amnesia and may fall asleep not remembering all
of what happened during their appointment.

There are many advantages to using nitrous oxide

• The depth of sedation can be altered at any time to increase or decrease sedation.
• There is no after effect such as a “hangover”
• Inhalation sedation is safe with no side effects on your heart or lungs
• Inhalation sedation is very effective in minimizing gagging
• It works rapidly reaching the brain within 20 seconds. In as few as two to three minutes, it’s relaxation and pain–killing properties develop.

Reasons Not To Use Nitrous Oxide