Is Laughing Gas Enough for My Dental Procedure?

“Laughing gas” can be a lifesaver for patients who experience anxiety while in the dentist’s chair.

Sedation dentistry helps many persons receive much needed dental treatment that would be difficult to perform without these relaxing medications. However you may wonder, is laughing gas enough to help you go through the procedure?

Schedule an Appointment – Call (314) 862-7844

Excellent

The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.9

Based on 168 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

Kimberly C.

We had a very positive experience with Dental Anesthesia Center. Dr. Thoms and his entire staff were kind, patient, and understanding throughout the entire process. My child has special needs, and as an anxious mom, I truly appreciated how compassionate and reassuring everyone was. We were referred to Dr. Thoms by our child’s dentist, and they took the time to explain everything while genuinely wanting to do what was best for my son. Communication was excellent throughout the procedure, which helped ease a lot of my anxiety. The office staff, including the ladies who handled the payment process, were just as kind and helpful, and I never felt pressured when discussing treatment or costs. The cost was more than we anticipated and definitely an unexpected expense, but my child’s needs always come first. Most importantly, my son seemed very comfortable afterward, did not appear to be in pain, and was eating an hour after the procedure. I don’t give perfect scores lightly, but I would absolutely recommend Dr. Thoms and his team to other families, especially parents of children with special needs.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review and kind words. We’re grateful for the opportunity to provide care and appreciate you trusting our team. Wishing you and your family all the best!

Dave K.

As a 75 year old man, I have been to several dentist’s and none compare to Dr. Thoms and Dr. Behl. The entire staff is very knowledgeable and accommodating. I have had some major work done and I/V sedation is definitely the way to go. Five stars to the entire team at DAC. I highly recommend their services.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We truly appreciate your trust in our team. It’s always our goal to provide comfortable, high-quality care to every patient.

Chris H.

Great staff, and great experience!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the 5-star review—we truly appreciate your support!

Keith T.

They were very professional. And fortunately, I don’t remember anything else!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! We appreciate your feedback and support.

Leeann P.

Very professional!! Dr Thom is amazing! Staff takes wonderful care of me!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We appreciate your feedback and are grateful for the opportunity to provide a positive experience.

What Is “Laughing Gas”?

You probably heard anecdotes about laughing gas at the dentist, and the nickname it has surely sparked an interest. Laughing gas is actually nitrous oxide, an odorless, non-irritant gas that is administered through inhalation before and during certain procedures, alleviating pain and helping the patient relax.

This type of sedation is ideal for people who also experience anxiety about needles and syringes. It is painless and comfortable to administer it, which often makes laughing gas great for children.

Is It Efficient?

Now that we laid the basics of what laughing gas is, you probably wonder if it is the right sedation for you. The answer is, inhalation sedation is generally safe for most patients.

However, is laughing gas enough to keep you sedated if you need to undergo a lengthy procedure or a complex one? Will it keep the pain down during the treatment? Will it last long enough for the dentist to finish the procedure before you get too anxious?

While these are certainly valid concerns a patient may have, rest assured that your St. Louis sedation dentist will consider all the factors before making a decision. He will choose the best sedation method for your medical background and the procedure that you need.

Laughing gas is, in fact, often recommended for short procedures, as its effects wear off fast. It is the only sedation method that may allow you to leave and drive yourself after the treatment. As soon as the doctor takes the mask off, you generally have a few minutes before the effect wears off.

Can You Still Feel Pain with Laughing Gas?

Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is highly effective at reducing anxiety and helping patients relax during dental procedures. However, it’s important to understand that laughing gas alone does not completely block pain. Instead, it creates a calm, euphoric state, allowing you to tolerate discomfort more easily.

For procedures that might cause pain, your dentist will typically combine laughing gas with a local anesthetic to numb the area being treated. The laughing gas helps you stay calm and less focused on the sensations, while the anesthetic ensures you don’t feel pain during the procedure.

If you are concerned about pain or discomfort, be sure to discuss this with your dentist. They will tailor your sedation and pain management plan to your specific needs, ensuring that you feel as comfortable as possible throughout your treatment.

How Will Inhalation Sedation Feel?

We have mentioned anecdotes that you may have heard about inhalation sedation. Most of these stories are exaggerated, of course. One common theme is that you will fall asleep during the procedure. While it is possible to feel so relaxed that you will actually fall asleep, it doesn’t happen every time. You will feel a tingling sensation in your limbs, a good warm feeling taking over you, grogginess and relaxation. You will most probably not remember anything from the procedure.

These sensations will help you stay calm and accept the treatment with no problems. Laughing gas is a great way to receive the treatment you need if you experience a lot of fear related to going to the dentist.

Next time you have an appointment with your St. Louis sedation dentist, discuss the possibility of being administered inhalation sedation. Your doctor will explain the risks, benefits and you will decide together if it is the right option for you.