Conscious sedation
Conscious sedation with nitrous oxide turns stress into a feeling of relaxation and helps anxious people, children included. The gas is mixed with pure oxygen and given under professional supervision: you stay fully conscious throughout and recovery is quick. Its use depends on your health and on the planned treatment.
What nitrous oxide is
Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas with a slightly sweet smell and taste, commonly called “laughing gas” because of the euphoric effect it produces when inhaled.
It is mixed with pure oxygen and administered by inhalation, under professional supervision.
What conscious sedation is for
Conscious sedation with nitrous oxide is frequently used in surgery and in dentistry. It acts as a central nervous system depressant and turns stress into a feeling of relaxation, which helps anxious people, including children.
Its anaesthetic strength is relatively low: it acts quickly and its effects wear off almost immediately. About five minutes after the sedation ends, the person can go back to their usual activities with no residual sedation.
What characterizes it
- it can be used with children
- the feeling of relaxation sets in within a few minutes
- the person remains fully conscious throughout the procedure
- recovery is very fast
When to seek care
Mention it before the appointment if the idea of dental treatment makes you anxious, if you have a strong gag reflex, or if the planned procedure is a long one.
It is also an option for children who would otherwise find treatment difficult. General health and current medication determine whether sedation is indicated: that is assessed beforehand, not on the day.
How the treatment works
The gas is given through a small nasal mask, mixed with pure oxygen. The concentration is adjusted during the session according to how you respond.
You stay conscious and answer normally throughout the treatment. At the end, you breathe pure oxygen for a few minutes to clear the gas.
After the treatment
Recovery is very fast: about five minutes after the sedation ends there is no residual effect and you can go back to your usual activities.
The instructions that follow the appointment are those of the treatment that was carried out, not of the sedation.
If fear of the dentist makes you put off your appointments or your child’s, conscious sedation with nitrous oxide — “laughing gas” — can change the experience. Given through a small nasal mask and mixed with pure oxygen, it turns stress into a feeling of calm within minutes: you stay fully aware, you can talk with the team, and about five minutes after it ends there is no residual effect left. Offered at our Repentigny clinic for adults and for children; we also welcome patients from Charlemagne, Le Gardeur and L’Assomption.
Other services
- Prevention and gum health
- Repair a damaged tooth
- Replace a missing tooth
- Smile aesthetics and alignment
The information presented is general and does not replace an assessment by a professional.
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