Nitrous oxide is a commonly used dental sedative that produces a giddiness or euphoria, which is why people call it “laughing gas.”
Nitrous oxide, a sweet-smelling gas, is a compound of nitrogen and oxygen. It is inhaled, along with oxygen, through a nasal mask. It is used for patients of all ages. Nitrous oxide is often used along with local anesthetics. It has the effect of raising the pain threshold and may even make the time appear to pass quickly. It provides “conscious sedation.” The patient is capable of rational response to a question or command. Conscious sedation differs from general anesthesia since it does not put the patient totally “to sleep” and involves less risk.