Happy Gas – Nitrous Oxide in Annandale
Dental visits can sometimes be stressful. At Booth Tooth Dental, we want our patients to be happy! We offer options including twilight sedation or happy gas (nitrous oxide) to help calm our apprehensive patients and help them feel more relaxed and at ease during the procedure. Happy gas may be a suitable option for patients on the go, as most patients feel back to normal within minutes after the gas is turned off. This is the same gas commonly used by mothers during childbirth and can also help manage discomfort during treatment. It may be suitable for both children and older patients, following an individual clinical assessment. It is also a relatively low-cost option.
How does this procedure work?
Nitrous oxide is commonly known as laughing gas or happy gas. It is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a mask that sits on your nose.
The gas goes throughout the body and dampens the pain centres in your brain while at the same time activating the happy (euphoric) centres of the brain. It also suppresses the gag reflex.
You will inhale this gas throughout the procedure. Once the dental procedure is complete, the gas is turned off. Nitrous gas wears off quickly, so most patients feel back to normal within about 5-10 minutes after the procedure is completed.
Another benefit of happy gas is that, in many cases, patients are able to drive themselves home afterwards, as nitrous oxide clears out of the body quickly. Your dentist will advise whether it is appropriate for you to drive after treatment based on your individual circumstances.
Is happy gas for you?
Happy gas may be worth discussing with your dentist if any of the following apply to you:
- You have had a history of bad dental experiences
- You experience anxiety and heightened nervousness when scheduled for dental or medical checkups
- You have discomfort / sensitivity / pain during your cleans
- You have a strong gag reflex
- You have undergone dental trauma
- You have panic attacks when thinking of dental visits and have even avoided them
Suitability depends on your individual oral health and medical history, which your dentist can assess at your appointment.
Get in touch with us today
Wondering whether happy gas may be suitable for you? Talk to us today.
Book an appointment with us today by filling the form online. You can also reach us via phone or email. Our office staff are friendly and patient. They will answer all your queries and set up an appointment.
Book your appointment with Booth Tooth Dental today.
We Make Getting a Healthy Smile as Easy as…
- Call us on (02) 9552 2768 to make an appointment
- Visit us and enjoy the relaxed environment and a sense of control, as we explain what’s happening and check in with you regularly
- Look forward to a healthier smile – we work with you to create a personalised plan designed to support your oral health well into the future.
Other Services
We Make Getting a Healthy Smile as Easy as…
1
Call us on (02) 9552 2768 to make an appointment
2
Visit us and enjoy the relaxed environment and a sense of control, as we explain what’s happening and check in with you regularly
3
Look forward to a more confident smile - we work with you to create a personalised plan that will have you looking and feeling great well into the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Happy gas, also known as nitrous oxide, is a mild sedative mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a mask. It can help patients feel more relaxed, suppresses the gag reflex, and may help patients remain calm during dental procedures. Patients breathe in the gas during treatment and it is turned off once complete.
Happy gas may be suitable for patients who experience dental anxiety, have had negative dental experiences, have a strong gag reflex, or wish to feel more relaxed during treatment. It may also be suitable for children and older patients, following an individual clinical assessment by your dentist.
Nitrous oxide wears off quickly once the mask is removed, and most patients typically feel back to normal within five to ten minutes. In many cases, patients can drive themselves home afterwards, though your dentist will confirm whether this is appropriate for you.