If you struggle with dental anxiety, you may have noticed that nitrous oxide is not as common as it used to be.
Dentists are moving away from nitrous oxide due to safety concerns, patient limitations, and the rise of more progressive alternatives like laser technology.
While some dental offices still use nitrous oxide, Genesis Dental has moved away from it in favour of more modern options. We now offer oral sedation and use innovative tools like the Solea laser to create a more comfortable, low-stress experience for patients.
These modern tools focus on comfort and reduce the need for traditional sedation, offering a gentler, modern approach for patients who feel nervous at the dentist.
What Is Nitrous Oxide?
Commonly known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a colourless, odourless gas that many people associate with its anxiety-reducing effects.
Dentists mix it with oxygen, and patients inhale the mixture through a nosepiece. The simple process can help quickly reduce discomfort and ease tension without putting patients to sleep.
For years, nitrous oxide was an ideal choice for many suffering from dental anxiety or a pronounced gag reflex. It helped patients feel calm while still enabling them to stay awake and alert during their procedures.
Its fast-acting nature and minimal recovery time made it a favourite in many practices, particularly for short or minimally invasive treatments. Today, clinics like Genesis Dental are using newer tools that often make nitrous oxide unnecessary.
Why Is Nitrous Oxide Used Less Often?
Laughing gas is still a widely used option in sedation dentistry. Still, several factors have contributed to its reduced role in dental care. For this reason, Genesis Dental has phased out nitrous oxide and now focuses on safer, more modern options like oral sedation and laser-assisted care.
Safety Concerns & Misuse
Although nitrous oxide is safe when administered by trained dental professionals, its recreational misuse has raised safety concerns.
Recreational misuse and safety concerns outside medical settings have made some patients more hesitant about laughing gas. Issues such as nerve damage, memory loss, and even fatal oxygen loss (hypoxia) have been connected to non-medical use, influencing how patients perceive its safety.
Cost & Logistics
For many practices, managing nitrous oxide is costly. The equipment required to safely store and administer the gas involves significant initial and ongoing investments, making alternatives like oral sedatives or IV sedation more attractive.
Ongoing maintenance, staff training, and compliance add even more cost and complexity for dental teams regularly using this form of sedation.
Patient-Specific Limitations
Nitrous oxide isn’t right for everyone. For example, if you’re congested, have sinus issues, or certain medical conditions, it may not work effectively or safely.
Additionally, patients who have recently consumed alcohol or have certain health conditions, like heart, lung, and thyroid disease, are at a higher risk of experiencing complications.
Benefits of Nitrous Oxide
Despite its decline in some dental offices, nitrous oxide retains certain advantages in specific scenarios. In some cases, nitrous oxide can be a good choice for patients with anxiety or a strong gag reflex, when used in a professional setting.
Quick Onset & Recovery
Nitrous oxide begins working within minutes and wears off quickly, minimizing downtime after an appointment.
Versatile for All Ages
Laughing gas is a suitable sedation option for adults and kids.
Minimal Risk in Professional Settings
Nitrous oxide is safe and effective when managed by trained dental professionals.
While nitrous oxide may still be used in some dental offices, it is not offered at Genesis Dental. Our team now focuses on more modern, patient-friendly alternatives.
A New Option with Modern Dental Technology
With technological advancements, dentistry continues to develop alternatives that provide comfort without the downsides of traditional sedation methods. One of the most exciting advancements is the Solea laser, which offers a quiet and comfortable alternative to traditional drills.
The Solea laser can offer a comfortable experience for various dental procedures, often reducing or eliminating the need for needles or drills for many common procedures.
For patients with dental anxiety, this can provide a big step forward. The gentle nature of the laser means your dental team can complete procedures quickly and comfortably, reducing discomfort and recovery time.
Genesis Dental is proud to offer this progressive technology, providing patients with less invasive solutions that can improve their overall experience in the dentist’s chair.
Understanding Dental Anxiety & Sedation Options
Dental anxiety is a challenge for many, and finding the right sedation option can make all the difference. While nitrous oxide may still have a place in modern dentistry, new tools like the Solea laser redefine what it means to have a comfortable dental experience.
Our practice offers oral sedation and staff take the time to walk each patient through their comfort options, including sedation and Solea laser treatment, so they can make an informed choice without pressure.
A Personalized Approach to Dentistry
At Genesis Dental, we believe in creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere backed by modern technology to help patients feel at ease. Our approach is centred on listening to your concerns, understanding your needs, and providing personalized solutions.
We take pride in being a technology-driven practice focused on patient care, from using the Solea laser to offering digital imaging technology to support thorough, personalized, and comfortable care.
We also understand that each patient has a different comfort level, so we prioritize communication, education, and choice in every aspect of care.
Have Questions About Sedative Options? We’re Happy to Talk
If you’ve been avoiding the dentist or have concerns about sedation options, we’re here to help. Call or contact Genesis Dental today to schedule your next visit.
Let’s find the right approach for you, one that reduces anxiety and helps you feel confident about your care.
