What is Dentist Gas?

Gas is used in the dental industry as a sedative and sometimes as an anaesthetic, to prevent patients from feeling or remembering anything when undergoing surgery. The gas that most people will be familiar with is known as ‘laughing gas’, due to the feelings of happiness and relaxation it causes, but its medical name is Nitrous Oxide, which is usually mixed with Oxygen in quantities of about  70% to 30%, respectively. Nitrous Oxide is a colourless gas, that has a sweet, pleasant smell to it and takes about four or five minutes to take effect; it will begin to numb the senses and make the patient feel relaxed and cheerful, hence the name ‘laughing gas’. People who are particularly fearful of going to the dentist can benefit from this type of sedation, as it calms their nerves and contributes to a smoother treatment.

How is the gas administered?

Nitrous Oxide has to be given using a mask, which is strapped over the patients nose and mouth, which might sound scary, but your dentist should make sure the straps are not too tight or uncomfortable. Breathing in the gas is not an unpleasant process, in fact you probably won’t even realise it is taking effect, and you won’t recall much when you wake up post-surgery. The gas shouldn’t render you unconscious, but it will stop you feeling or remembering anything as it slows the nerve reactions and motor functions.

What are the benefits of using dentist gas?

Dentist gas can be tremendously effective in many ways, and thousands of patients all over the UK have experienced dental surgery without significant side effects.

It takes effect quickly – As mentioned earlier, it only takes a few minutes for the gas to take effect, which means the dentist can go to work without having to mess around with needles or other sedation techniques. Speed is particularly helpful with patients who are nervous or afraid of even sitting in the dentist’s chair.

It wears off quickly – Because it is an inhalant Nitrous Oxide leaves the body very quickly after the mask is taken off, making it ideal for patients who have to be on their way as soon as their surgery is complete – although it is still advisable for someone else to transport you to and from the clinic, as you may be under the influence of pain relief medication. It’s also much better for the patients overall health if sedatives and anaesthetics are out of their system as soon as possible, especially in the case of very young or elderly patients.

The mix can be controlled – It’s very important for your dentist to control the mix of Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen carefully, and they do this using two dials on the top of each canister. In addition, most surgeries employ a dental nurse or assistant to observe and assist, as well as to make sure the patient is receiving the correct amount of sedative or anaesthetic.

Doesn’t require any pills or needles – One of the biggest things that scares people away from the dentist is having injections, that’s what is so useful about inhalants; there’s no need for needles or surgical equipment, simply place the mask over their nose and mouth, and release the laughing gas at the appropriate rate.

Keeps the patient conscious – Most dentists would agree that using general anaesthetic for procedures such as tooth extractions, is not ideal, and they would prefer to keep the patient awake and somewhat lucid during the treatment. The effects of the gas mean that you probably won’t make a lot of sense when speaking or even remember what you experienced in the surgery, but there is much less risk to your health if you are kept conscious as the dentist works. Some people might find the idea of staying awake during any kind of operation scary, but the level of pain relief and sedation will be closely under control. Speak to your dentist if you’re worried about receiving inhalants, they won’t hesitate to put your mind at ease; The Pearl Dental Clinic has a wealth of experience with anxious patients, why not call them to book an appointment? The friendly, professional team members are always available for any advice on dental treatments, and to break down applicable costs for you.

Won’t leave you feeling sleepy – Some anaesthetics can have the unfortunate side effect of drowsiness or confusion, but laughing gas enters the system very quickly, and leaves at the same rate, which means you are awake and alert before you exit the clinic. Local anaesthetic is injected directly into the tissue and numbs the nerves to stop you feeling pain, this sensation last for up to seven hours after the treatment is complete, which is why some dentists prefer to use inhalants that wear off in a matter of minutes.

Are there any safety issues associated with dentist gas?

The biggest safety concern surrounding the use of Nitrous Oxide is asphyxiation, but this tends to be more of a problem with those who use it recreationally. If the mix is kept to the appropriate amount, and there is no long-term abuse of the gas, then the danger is reduced considerably. The majority of surgeries will have several members of staff on hand to help with any problems, and to keep you in a stable condition whilst you are under the influence. Pregnant women, elderly patients, and those who have breathing problems, are generally not suitable candidates, and they may have to explore alternatives to laughing gas. If you have any medical issues that might exclude you from this type of treatment, mention them to your surgeon beforehand, just to be sure you are not exposing yourself to further danger.

Long-term exposure to inhalants is very bad for your health, you should only use Nitrous Oxide when administered by a trained professional, for specific medical purposes, any other use is an unnecessary risk to your health, which can cause numerous problems; reproductive issues, vitamin B12 deficiency, facial numbness, and even frostbite.