What is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide is a gas which is inhaled during dental procedures. The gas has no color, odor and does not irritate the lungs. Nitrous oxide helps to alleviate pain and induces a pleasurable feeling.
How does Nitrous Oxide work?
Nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen so that it can be kept at safe levels. Typically the mix is 70% oxygen to 30% nitrous oxide. There are four levels of sedation depending on the concentration and duration of the nitrous oxide administered and they can be controlled by your dentist
- The first phase of sedation involves a sensation of tingling mostly in the arms and legs or a feeling of vibration
- The second phase is the sensation of warmth
- The third phase is a feeling of well being, euphoria and or floating.
- The fourth phase is the deepest level of sedation and here sleepiness and difficulty to keep ones eyes open and speak can occur.
Typically you want to keep the level of sedation limited to phases 1 through 3 and if you feel sleepiness or nausea it means too much has been administered and less nitrous and more oxygen should be used.
How is nitrous administered?
Nitrous oxide is administered though a nasal hood that is placed over the nose. The levels of nitrous oxide and oxygen can be adjusted by the dentist to ensure that the appropriate amount is being administered.
What are the advantages of Nitrous Oxide?
- Nitrous oxide is fast acting. Within 2-3 minutes the pain killing and relaxation effects kick in.
- The depth of sedation can be adjusted throughout the procedure.
- There is no fixed duration of time for its effects unlike a pill or intravenous drug that last for a specific time frame. Nitrous can be used through the duration of the procedure and can even be turned off when not needed.
- There is no hangover effect. The gas is eliminated from the body within 3-5 minutes after the gas supply is stopped. Patient can safely drive home and do not need an escort.
- Nitrous oxide is very safe. It has very few side effects and has no ill effects on the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, or brain.
Contraindications to nitrous oxide
There are no major contraindications to nitrous oxide. patients with Multiple sclerosis, emphysema and some exotic chest problems should not use nitrous oxide. patients who are in their first trimester of pregnancy should avoid nitrous oxide as it has not been proven safe. If you cant breathe through your nose for any reason including a cold you can’t use nitrous oxide. There is no potential for an allergic reaction to nitrous oxide.
So go ahead LAUGH IT UP!
