Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide sedation is a method in which you breathe a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) through a small nasal mask during dental treatment. Within a few minutes a pleasant relaxation sets in, and anxiety and the perception of pain fade into the background – you remain awake, responsive and breathe on your own. After the treatment, the nitrous oxide is completely exhaled within a few minutes.
How does nitrous oxide work?
Nitrous oxide relieves anxiety, slightly dampens pain and relaxes. It dulls perception without switching off consciousness: you hear and understand everything and respond when spoken to, but you experience the treatment as if from a pleasant distance. Your sense of time changes, and a long session feels short. A pronounced gag reflex also eases considerably under nitrous oxide.
The gas is taken up through the lungs and released again through the lungs – the liver and kidneys are not burdened, and no breakdown products are formed. That is why the effect sets in within a few minutes and disappears just as quickly once it has been exhaled. At our clinic we offer nitrous oxide sedation in Basel for children and adults.
Who is nitrous oxide sedation suitable for?
First and foremost for people with dental anxiety – from mild tension to pronounced panic (phobia). Nitrous oxide is the most frequently chosen level because it reliably removes the anxiety without you falling asleep, and because you can leave the practice on your own afterwards. It is equally suitable for a strong gag reflex, for longer procedures such as an implant placement or wisdom tooth removal, and for children from the age at which they accept the nasal mask – usually from around four years.
Nitrous oxide is not suitable if your nose is blocked or you have a cold, because breathing through the nose is essential, nor in the first months of pregnancy or with certain lung and ear conditions. We clarify this in the preliminary consultation – in such cases, twilight sedation or general anaesthesia are available.
What happens during treatment with nitrous oxide?
A small, soft nasal mask is placed on your nose and you first breathe pure oxygen. The nitrous oxide is then added gradually until the desired relaxation is reached – the dose is set individually and monitored throughout the entire treatment. After two to three minutes you feel the effect: warmth, lightness, calm.
The actual treatment proceeds as usual, including local anaesthesia, which you barely notice under nitrous oxide. At the end, the nitrous oxide is switched off and you breathe pure oxygen for a few more minutes. After that the gas has completely left your body – you leave the practice without an escort and may drive.
How safe is nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide has been used in dentistry for more than 150 years and is considered one of the safest sedation methods of all. In the USA, England and Scandinavia it has been standard in dental practices for decades. It places no strain on the liver or kidneys, has no after-effects and causes no hangover. The proportion of oxygen in the mixture is always well above that of normal air.
The question “Is nitrous oxide at the dentist dangerous?” has a clear answer: when used professionally, no. You remain awake and responsive the whole time, breathe on your own and are monitored continuously. Should you find the effect unpleasant, the nitrous oxide is reduced or switched off – and is gone within minutes.
Nitrous oxide, twilight sedation or general anaesthesia?
Nitrous oxide is the lightest of three levels. With twilight sedation, a sedative puts you into a sleep-like state; you notice little or nothing, but breathe on your own and are monitored by an anaesthetics team. Under general anaesthesia you fall asleep and wake up when everything is done – the route for extensive treatment in a single session or for very severe anxiety. After either, you need someone to accompany you and must not drive for 24 hours.
Which level is right depends on the degree of anxiety and the extent of the treatment. For most patients nitrous oxide is enough – and those who start with twilight sedation or general anaesthesia often switch to nitrous oxide for follow-up care. We will help you find the right level in a first, no-obligation conversation.
Nitrous oxide at our clinic in Basel
Dentist Boris Nikas has been treating anxious patients for more than 20 years and is one of the few practices in the region to offer every level – from an empathetic conversation to nitrous oxide and twilight sedation through to general anaesthesia. Nitrous oxide can be combined with any treatment: from dental hygiene, fillings and root canal treatment to implants and wisdom tooth removal.
Nitrous oxide sedation is charged per session in addition to the treatment; we tell you the price in advance. Basic health insurance does not usually cover it. If you are unsure whether nitrous oxide is right for you: the first appointment is a conversation, not a treatment.
Frequently asked questions about Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Is nitrous oxide at the dentist dangerous?
No. Nitrous oxide has been used in dentistry for more than 150 years, is thoroughly researched and is considered one of the safest sedation methods. It is completely exhaled through the lungs and places no strain on the liver or kidneys.
Can I drive after nitrous oxide sedation?
Yes. After the treatment you breathe pure oxygen for a few minutes, after which the nitrous oxide has been completely cleared and you are fully fit to drive. This does not apply after twilight sedation or general anaesthesia – there you need someone to accompany you.
Will I notice anything of the treatment under nitrous oxide?
Yes, but it does not bother you. You remain awake and responsive, but experience the treatment as if from a distance and as much shorter than it actually is. Many people only remember it vaguely afterwards.
Do I still need an injection?
In most cases, yes – nitrous oxide does not replace local anaesthesia, it removes the fear of it. Under nitrous oxide you barely notice the injection.
How much does treatment with nitrous oxide cost?
Nitrous oxide sedation is charged per session in addition to the actual treatment; we tell you the price in advance. Basic health insurance does not usually cover it.
Is nitrous oxide suitable for children?
Yes, very much so – from the age at which a child accepts the nasal mask, usually from around four years. It removes the anxiety without the child falling asleep and makes the visit to the dentist a positive experience.
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