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Patients scheduled for more involved procedures or who are simply weary of the periodontist’s office often want to know about the possibility of using nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” during their appointment. This article explains what nitrous oxide is, how it works, and the Dos and Don’ts of using nitrous oxide.
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a colorless gas that has a faint sweet smell. An inhalation agent, the N2O enters the bloodstream as free gas before entering the brain. The gas is an analgesic, meaning it relieves pain. However, unlike an anesthetic, N2O does not completely eliminate sensation. Therefore, for surgeries that require a local anesthetic, N2O can be used in tandem with an anesthetic. However, N20 should not be relied on solely to eliminate pain.