Nitrous oxide, or "laughing gas", is used for its calming effect. It is a colorless, almost odorless gas that is combined with oxygen, then administered to you through a small mask that covers your nose. It can help you to relax, ease your fear and make you feel more comfortable during your dental treatment.

Nitrous oxide also helps increase your tolerance for lengthy dental procedures. While it doesn't make any part of your mouth numb, it can decrease your perception of discomfort. There are a few situations where nitrous oxide cannot be used, such as if you are pregnant or have an inner ear infection.

The more deeply you breathe through your nose, the more you will feel the effects of nitrous oxide. We can also adjust the levels to make you more comfortable. Your normal reflexes will all be intact, and you will be able to communicate with us during your treatment. Nitrous oxide is not a replacement for a local anesthetic; the area in your mouth that will be affected by the treatment will still need to be numbed.