Reviewed by Dr. Adel Elbaz, DDS, general dentist · Last reviewed
Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide) in London, Ontario
If the thought of the dentist makes you tense, you’re far from alone. Nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas, is the lightest and most common form of dental sedation. You breathe it through a small mask over your nose, and within a few minutes you feel calm, warm and relaxed, while staying awake and able to talk to us.
At Lunar Smile Dentistry we offer nitrous oxide for anxious adults and children, for longer appointments, and for anyone with a strong gag reflex.
How it feels
Most people describe:
- a calm, floaty or slightly light-headed feeling
- warmth or tingling in the hands and feet
- time seeming to pass more quickly
- caring a lot less about the sounds and sensations of treatment
You stay conscious throughout. You can answer questions, follow simple instructions and tell us if you need a break. Laughing gas doesn’t put you to sleep, and despite the name, most people don’t actually laugh.
Who it helps
- Anxious patients of any age, from mild nerves to a real fear of the dentist
- Children who need fillings or other treatment and find it hard to sit still
- People with a strong gag reflex, for x-rays, impressions or treatment on back teeth
- Long appointments, such as several fillings or a root canal
- People with sensitive teeth who find even a cleaning uncomfortable
What happens during your visit
- Medical history check. We confirm nitrous oxide is safe for you.
- The mask. We fit a small, soft mask over your nose. You breathe normally through your nose.
- Adjusting the level. We start with pure oxygen, then slowly add nitrous oxide until you feel relaxed. We can turn it up or down at any time.
- Treatment. You’ll still get local freezing for anything that would hurt; nitrous oxide relaxes you but doesn’t numb the tooth.
- Recovery. At the end we give you pure oxygen for about five minutes, which clears the gas from your body.
After your appointment
Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes. Most adults can drive themselves home and go back to work or school the same day, once we’ve checked that you feel back to normal. Children can usually go straight back to their normal day.
To feel your best:
- eat a light meal beforehand rather than coming in on an empty stomach or right after a heavy meal
- let us know if you feel nauseous; we can adjust the level
Is laughing gas safe?
Nitrous oxide has been used safely in dentistry for many years. It is mild, you stay awake, and it leaves your body quickly when you breathe oxygen. We monitor you throughout.
It isn’t recommended for everyone. Tell us if you:
- are pregnant, especially in the first trimester
- have a cold, blocked nose or trouble breathing through your nose
- have a chronic lung condition such as severe COPD
- have had recent eye or ear surgery
- have a vitamin B12 deficiency or take certain medications
Other ways we help nervous patients
Nitrous oxide often works well with our other comfort options:
- Computer-controlled freezing (STA), which makes the injection itself gentler
- Virtual reality headsets that take your attention somewhere else
- For deeper anxiety or longer procedures, oral sedation or general anesthesia
Telling us you’re anxious when you book helps us plan more time and explain each step before we do it.
Cost and coverage
Nitrous oxide is usually billed as a separate item, based on the length of your appointment. Some insurance plans cover it, especially for children; many don’t. Our fees follow the Ontario Dental Association fee guide, and we tell you the cost before your visit.
Book a visit
Ready to give it a try? Book online or call 226-884-2573 and mention you’d like nitrous oxide. We’re open six days a week, with evening appointments until 9 pm on weekdays.