Does Nitrous Oxide Put You to Sleep?

In the United States, 75% of adults suffer from some level of dental anxiety or fear. This means that they feel worried or scared of visiting the dentist due to the tools, sounds, or environment. This can make it hard for them to receive the care they need to prevent oral health issues. Fortunately, dental sedation offers a solution. There are several kinds of sedation, with nitrous oxide being one of the most popular. If you haven’t undergone this type of sedation before, you may be wondering if it puts you to sleep. Keep reading to learn the answer to this question as well as how it works.

What is Nitrous Oxide Sedation?

Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that has been administered to patients for over 100 years to help them relax during treatments. A mask is placed over the patient’s nose, and it releases the gas that they inhale to start feeling light, happy, and maybe even euphoric within minutes.

Once treatment is complete, the mask will be removed the gas’s effect will wear off almost instantly. Even so, your dentist may ask you to wait for a bit to ensure that you’re good to drive home. Once you’re given the okay, you’ll be free to resume your day. You may be a good candidate for nitrous oxide if you:

• Have trouble comfortably sitting in the dental chair
• Have several treatments to complete at one time
• Are scared or anxious about visiting the dentist
• Don’t respond well to local anesthetics
• Have extremely sensitive teeth
• Have a sensitive gag reflex

Will Nitrous Oxide Put You to Sleep?

Though some forms of dental sedation put you to sleep, nitrous oxide isn’t one of them. It’s conscious sedation, which means that it doesn’t cause patients to fall asleep. You’ll be awake and aware of your surroundings throughout your appointment.

Nitrous oxide keeps you comfortable and pain-free. Additionally, since you’ll remain awake, this will allow you to communicate with your dental team during the procedure to let them know if adjustments need to be made. Many patients who undergo nitrous oxide sedation say that they don’t remember much about the procedure once it wears off.

About the Practice

Advanced Dental Solutions of Pittsburgh is led by Dr. Dan Rairigh, Dr. Joshua Culver, Dr. Jacqueline Sumzin, and Dr. Dakota Goodrum. These four talented dental health professionals and their skilled team offer patients a variety of exceptional treatment options. If you have fear or anxiety revolving around dental visits, they also offer dental sedation to help you stay calm and relaxed throughout the procedure. Call Advanced Dental Solutions of Pittsburgh’s office at (412) 854-2310 or visit their website if you want more information on dental sedation or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rairigh, Dr. Culver, Dr. Sumzin, or Dr. Goodrum.