Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” is a colorless, odorless gas that has been used as an anesthetic and sedative in dentistry for more than a century. When inhaled, it slows the body’s reaction time, raises the pain threshold, and creates a sense of well-being while leaving the patient awake and alert enough to communicate with the dentist. It works quickly and is eliminated from the body shortly after the treatment ends. Here’s why nitrous oxide is considered one of the safest forms of dental sedation as well as a few uncommon side effects.
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