Inhalation sedation for adults

Inhalation sedation is a mixture of gases (nitrous oxide and oxygen) that you breathe in via a nosepiece placed on the nose. This will not cover your mouth. As you lie back and breathe in the mixture you will start to feel more calm and relaxed. It is incredibly safe and effective to overcome mild dental anxiety, gagging and needle phobia. Sometimes it can even make you laugh - hence it is commonly referred to as 'laughing gas'. 

Inhalation sedation in adults can be very effective if a 'lighter' sedation is needed depending on how anxious you are. It is common for us to treat adults under inhalation sedation (happy air) for:

• Fillings
• Root Canal Treatment
• Routine blood tests 
• Extractions

• Helps to reduce anxiety and fear of dental treatment
• Helps you to feel more relaxed
• It has a pain relief effect - useful if you have an increased sensitivity to pain
• Does not require IV access ( great for needle phobics!)
• Highly safe and effective for adults and children 
• Does not require you to have a chaperone for 24 hours. 
• Very little down-time and rapid recovery 
• It has no lasting effect on the body. Once you have finished the treatment you will feel back to normal and can resume your day. 

Nitrous oxide inhalation sedation provides light conscious sedation. You will still be able to hear the dentist but will feel less worried. It is useful for short procedures or those with mild dental anxieties or severe needle phobias. It is effective for the majority of people and works best in a relaxing environment. You are encouraged to bring headphones to listen to your favourite music and we will do our best to guide you through your treatment in a relaxing unpressured environment. We recommend you do not have anything important planned before or after your appointment so that you can be stress-free on the day

• if you are unable to breathe clearly through you nose 
• if you suffer with claustrophobia or are unable to wear a mask on your nose
• recent facial or ear surgery 
• if you are pregnant 
• if you suffer with a very low blood-pressure
• if you suffer with severe respiratory conditions such as COPD

Before having sedation, you will need to attend an assessment visit. During this appointment, the dentist will explain how the sedation works and you will be provided with a leaflet which explains what you need to do before and after your appointment. Read this carefully. It is useful if you practice breathing in and out through your nose with your mouth wide open so that it will be easier for you on the day and you get the maximum benefit from the sedation. If you suffer from a  blocked nose or chesty cough leading up to your appointment the sedation will be ineffective so please cancel and rearrange your appointment as soon as possible or contact us for advice. 

• You are permitted to have a light meal or snack up to 2 hours before your appointment. 
• Do not have a heavy meal. 
• Do not drink alcohol 24 hours before your appointment. 
• If you are unwell on the day with cold/flu symptoms or a blocked nose your appointment may need to be rearranged. Please let us know as soon as possible so that the appointment is not wasted. 
• It is not always necessary to have someone with you for this type of sedation. Everybody is unique and responds differently. Although you are able to drive 20 minutes after having inhalation sedation you may wish to bring someone with you to escort you home and provide moral support. 
• If there is a chance you could be pregnant please inform your dentist as soon as possible

Once you are comfortable in the dental chair, the dentist will place a nosepiece over your nose which will be secured in place. It requires a tight seal so that you can breathe the gases in without them escaping. As you breathe in the gas you may get a feeling of warmth throughout your body as well as some mild tingling through your body and some lightheadedness. You might feel sleepy or you want to laugh. You will stay awake, able to talk and in control of all your reflexes. Once you are sedated, the dentist will continue to talk to you and reassure you throughout your treatment. If you prefer you can listen to music through headphones to distract you.  Your treatment should be easy and relaxing. If you are struggling tell your dentist and they can pause or stop until you are comfortable. 

Once the treatment is complete, the nitrous oxide and oxygen mixture will be stopped and replaced with oxygen for at least 2 minutes. You will breathe all of the gas out of your body so there are no lasting effects. 

You will quickly start to feel more alert and notice the effects of sedation disappear. Once you are fully recovered the dentist will explain details about what treatment was provided and you will be given all the information you need relating to your aftercare. If you are planning to drive we recommend you wait in the surgery for at least 20 minutes to ensure you feel alert and well to drive.