Nitrous oxide

Dental nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is a gentle form of sedation used in modern dentistry to help you feel calm and at ease during treatment. You breathe it in through a small, comfortable nose mask, and many patients feel more relaxed after just a few breaths. You stay awake and able to communicate the whole time—so you don’t lose control, you simply feel less anxious and more comfortable. Many people describe the experience as pleasantly soothing, and even more complex procedures can feel much easier to get through.

For people who have had unpleasant dental experiences in the past or who live with significant dental anxiety, nitrous oxide can be a very reassuring option. It helps your body settle into a calm, relaxed state without switching off your awareness. Children can benefit too, as treatment often feels easier and less stressful for them. Nitrous oxide has been used in dentistry for decades, is well researched, and is widely regarded as very safe. When dosed correctly, it is gentle, effective, and does not have known long-term side effects—one reason why it is a standard part of patient-friendly dental care in many countries.

What are the benefits of treatment with dental nitrous oxide (laughing gas)?

The benefits of nitrous oxide can be felt not only physically, but emotionally too. That uneasy feeling of being “at the mercy of the treatment” often gives way to a sense of lightness and calm. Sounds, instruments, and individual steps can suddenly feel far less intimidating—sometimes almost like background noise.

• Reduced anxiety: Nitrous oxide helps ease inner tension, making it an excellent option for patients with dental anxiety.

• Comfort: You feel calm and a little removed from the procedure, but you stay in control the whole time.

• Reduced pain sensitivity: Sensations are often perceived as less intense.

• Works quickly: After only a few breaths, many patients notice a warm, comfortable sense of relaxation.

• Wears off quickly: After treatment, you usually feel fully clear-headed again very quickly and are typically fit to travel home.

• High level of safety: Nitrous oxide is well researched and is generally very well tolerated when used correctly.

• Extra comfort alongside local anaesthetic: Everything can feel a little softer—less intense, less stressful, and easier to handle.

Patients often tell us that nitrous oxide helped them feel genuinely calm at the dentist for the first time. It can take the edge off the experience, making appointments feel more manageable and much less stressful. That emotional relief can make a real difference.

What happens during treatment with dental nitrous oxide (laughing gas)?

We’ll start with a brief conversation so we understand what you need and what will help you feel comfortable. Then we fit a small, comfortable nose mask and let you breathe a carefully controlled mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen. You simply breathe normally, and within moments many patients notice a warm, calm, deeply relaxed feeling.

Throughout the entire treatment you remain awake and responsive, and we can talk to you at any time. You stay fully in control—just without the anxiety, stress or panic, and instead in a calm, comfortable state. Once the treatment is finished, you’ll breathe pure oxygen for a few minutes. This helps the nitrous oxide leave your system quickly, so you feel clear-headed and present again soon afterwards. You can leave the practice feeling relaxed, relieved and comfortable.

Conclusion

Nitrous oxide sedation is an investment in your comfort—helping you feel calmer, less anxious, and more at ease throughout your appointment. It’s a way of giving yourself a more positive treatment experience. Calm, comfort and peace of mind —so a dental appointment becomes something you can attend without nerves. Nitrous oxide is a safe, well-established, and very well-tolerated optionto help patients feel calmer during dental treatment and to reduce anxiety—especially for patients with dental anxiety, children, and people with a strong gag reflex it can be a real help. Many of our patients are surprised by how comfortable dentistry can feel with nitrous oxide. If you’re looking for a gentle, modern appointment with as little stress as possible, it may be the right option for you. Just speak to us—we’ll be happy to advise you personally and tailor everything to your needs.