Consent for Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Sedation

Read this form carefully and ask us about anything that is unclear before you sign. Your dentist will go over it with you before treatment begins.

Patient

Date of birth

What nitrous oxide is

Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen breathed through a small mask over the nose. It helps the patient feel calm and relaxed during dental care. The patient stays awake, aware of their surroundings, and able to answer questions and follow directions. At the end, the patient breathes pure oxygen and the effects wear off within minutes.

It is used to make dental care more comfortable and less stressful. It does not replace freezing, and it does not work equally well for everyone, so a particular result cannot be guaranteed.

Temporary effects

Any of these can happen while the gas is being used. All of them pass:

  • tingling, a heavy feeling, or a light, floating feeling;
  • warmth throughout the body and flushed cheeks;
  • giggling, or feeling detached or dreamy;
  • slow, slurred or repeated speech; and
  • nausea, vomiting or, occasionally, agitation. Having only a light meal beforehand helps prevent nausea.

Other options

  • No sedation: treatment with local anaesthetic (freezing) only.
  • Oral sedation: medication taken by mouth that leaves the patient mildly drowsy but awake.
  • General anaesthesia: the patient is fully asleep and unaware, and their breathing is supported.

A few questions

Does the patient have any of the following?

Some of these affect whether nitrous oxide is suitable.

then change any that apply
Cold, stuffy nose or trouble breathing through the nose
Recent ear infection or ear surgery
Asthma, COPD or another lung condition
Eye surgery in the past 3 months
Pregnant or possibly pregnant
Takes medication for mood, anxiety or sleep
Past reaction to nitrous oxide or sedation
Vitamin B12 deficiency

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