What It Is
Nitrous Oxide, Or Laughing Gas
A form of conscious sedation. You breathe it in through a small mask over your nose, and it helps you feel calm and relaxed while the treatment goes ahead.
You stay awake
This is sedation, not general anaesthesia. You remain conscious and can hear and respond to us throughout.
Breathed in, not injected
The gas is inhaled through a small nose mask. No injection is needed to give the sedation itself.
Wears off in minutes
The effects fade shortly after the mask comes off, and we check you are ready before you leave.
Adjusted as we go
The level can be adjusted during the appointment, so it can be dialled to how you are actually feeling.
Sedation manages how anxious you feel. Local anaesthetic still does the job of numbing the tooth — the two work together.
Who It Is For
From Young Children To Older Patients
Sedation is not only for major treatment. It is mostly for people who find the appointment itself difficult.
Anxious patients
The most common reason
If the thought of an appointment is what keeps you putting off treatment, this is worth asking us about before you book.
Dental fear and phobia
When reassurance alone is not enough
For patients whose anxiety about dental treatment is severe enough that talking it through beforehand does not settle it.
Children
Used across all ages
Suitable for children old enough to breathe comfortably through the nose mask, including those who find it hard to stay calm or sit still in the chair. We check that and go through the medical history with a parent first.
Older patients
Through to the other end of the range
Nitrous oxide is used from young children right through to older patients, subject to the same medical-history check.
Longer appointments
When sitting through it is the hard part
If it is the length of a treatment rather than the treatment itself that you dread, sedation can make it easier to get through.
Where We Use It
Not Just One Type Of Treatment
Sedation can be used alongside most general dental treatment, not only surgery.
Fillings
For patients who find routine restorative work difficult to sit through.
Scaling and cleaning
Including patients who avoid regular cleaning because of how it feels.
Extractions
Where the anxiety about having a tooth out is the main obstacle.
Minor oral surgery
Used alongside local anaesthetic for more involved procedures.
If you are anxious about a particular appointment, tell us when you book and we will talk through whether sedation is an option for it.
Before We Use It
Is It Right For You?
Nitrous oxide is inhaled rather than injected, you stay conscious throughout, and the effects wear off within minutes of the mask being removed.
It is still not right for everyone. Certain medical conditions make it unsuitable, so we go through your medical history before we use it — and if it is not the right option for you, we will tell you and talk through the alternatives.
Ask Us About SedationYour Questions Answered
Sedation — Honest Answers
Ready When You Are
Tell Us You Are Nervous
Before You Book
Message us and say what worries you about coming in. We will talk through your options honestly and answer every question you have — in a calm, unhurried conversation.
Api-Api · Taman Fortuna · Inanam · SK