After Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide is the gentlest form of sedation we offer, and its biggest advantage is how quickly it wears off. Within minutes of breathing normal oxygen, most people feel completely like themselves again.
The First Few Minutes
- You breathed oxygen for several minutes at the end of your visit. That clears the nitrous from your system.
- A light, floaty feeling fades within minutes.
- Sit up and stand slowly the first time, just in case of brief lightheadedness.
Getting Back To Your Day
- Most adults feel fully normal within minutes and can drive and return to work or school once they feel completely back to themselves.
- If you feel at all foggy, wait. There is no prize for rushing.
- Eat and drink normally unless your procedure instructions say otherwise.
What's Normal
- Brief grogginess right after the mask comes off.
- An occasional mild headache or queasiness, which passes quickly. Fresh air and small sips of water help.
- No lingering effects. Nitrous does not stay in your system the way other sedation does.
Don't Forget Your Procedure Instructions
- Nitrous was on top of whatever we did today. Follow the care sheet for your procedure too.
- Numbness from local anesthetic can last a few hours. Be careful with hot drinks and chewing until it wears off.
Call Us If
- Nausea or a headache is not passing after a few hours.
- You feel unusually unwell in any way after your visit.
- You have any questions at all. We would always rather hear from you.
Why We Love Nitrous
Nitrous oxide has been used safely in dentistry for over a century, and it remains one of the most predictable ways to take the edge off a visit.
- It works fast and wears off just as fast.
- You stay awake and in control the entire time.
- It pairs with any procedure, from a cleaning to an extraction.
Nervous about a future visit? Ask us about nitrous when you book. It is that simple.
Questions or concerns after your visit? Call or text us anytime.
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