Smile Sedation Timelines: How Long Does Laughing Gas Last?

You’ll likely look into “laughing gas” if you need sedation dentistry, but you probably won’t commit right away. Most folks want the details on this option before they make their choice. In fact, many people want the answer to a specific question first: How long does laughing gas last? The good news is that your local Plano dentist can address this concern. To that end, here’s a primer on laughing gas, its timeline compared to oral sedation, and who’s best suited for it.

What Exactly is “Laughing Gas?”

Of course, you can’t learn the laughing gas’ timeline if you don’t know what it is. You ought to review the basics before anything else.

Laughing gas – known “officially” as nitrous oxide – is a type of sedative used in dentistry. When applied through a nose mask, it tends to promote feelings of calm, euphoria, and mild giddiness. That’s why dentists rely on it – the gas helps patients relax and makes their dental care smoother. Of course, its usage is also very safe; it has no harmful side effects that could damage your body.

Given the facts above, sedation often works best for short-term fillings and cleanings.

Timeline Comparison: “Laughing Gas” vs. Oral Sedation

To grasp how long laughing gas lasts, it helps to have a point of comparison. So, consider the timelines for nitrous oxide and oral sedation below:

Laughing Gas

Overall, laughing gas is a fast-acting and short-lived sedative. Its effects “kick in” after just a few minutes of inhaling through a nose mask, so you don’t have to wait on it. On the other hand, the gas quickly wears off once you stop breathing it directly. A patient should be able to resume their normal routines right away.

Oral Sedation

Compared to laughing gas, oral sedation is slower to start and slower to fade. Most folks only start to feel its effects 30-60 minutes after ingesting the sedative. Plus, those effects tend to linger – they can take anywhere from two to eight hours to go away. That means you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home from your visit.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Laughing Gas?

You should note that laughing gas benefits some patients more than others. The best candidates for it have one (or more) of the following issues:

• Trouble sitting still during an appointment
• Discomfort around needles or dental tools
• A strong gag reflex
• Difficulty getting numb from local anesthesia

Talk to your dental provider to learn whether laughing gas is right for you. They’ll gladly check and see if the sedative would help!

About the Practice

Parkway Vista Dental is based in Plano, TX. Led by Dr. Bita Kamali, our practice is always eager to give patients smooth and effective dental care. We meet that goal through our preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as our emergency oral treatments. Our team even provides sedation options like “laughing gas” to make your care calm and easy! For more details, please reach us on our website or by phone at (972)-818-1300.