Nitrous oxide or N2O is an odorless and colorless, non-combustible gas that occurs naturally in the atmosphere. It is also known as dinitrogen monoxide, nitrous, factitious air, or more commonly, laughing gas or happy gas.

It is usually used as an aerosol spray propellant, rocket engine oxidizer, pressure packaging gas, electronics production material, and a sedative and anesthetic. When combined with oxygen, it works as an inhalation sedation that calms nervous patients without inducing sleep. It is widely used by dentists as part of patient preparation along with administering anesthesia. 

The Happy Gas Effect

A dental procedure can bring about anxiety for many patients which can make the procedure an unpleasant experience, especially for children. Whether it’s cavity filling, tooth extraction, or dental surgery, the anticipation of pain can get the nerves worked up and give patients the jitters even before the dentist begins working.

Thankfully, nitrous oxide helps with pain and anxiety management by relaxing the mind and body. It can be safely and easily administered through the nose.

How It Is Absorbed by the Body

It is introduced to the body through a nose mask that lets the patient inhale the gas. It then diffuses through the lungs and the bloodstream. With the right dosage and administration, it produces a euphoric feeling that alters pain and pleasure receptors in the brain.

During the procedure, the dentist alternately turns the gas supply on and off to keep the patient sedated without losing alertness. This is done so that the patient can still consciously respond to the dentist’s questions and communicate his or her thoughts throughout the procedure. 

Its effect is instantaneous but can also easily wear off after consumption. 

Side Effects and Precautions

Nitrous gas is safe to use for both adults and kids, but has to be administered in a controlled environment because of its mild narcotic effects. 

Some of its temporary side effects include nausea, dizziness, shivering, excessive sweating, headache, and vomiting. There’s also a bit of tingling and numbing but these are only short and transitory. 

It is best for patients to have company after a dental procedure to ensure their safety on their way home. 

nexAir KnowHow 

Handling and administering nitrous oxide requires proper knowledge and experience. At nexAir, we provide applied industry guidance to our clients and their staff to make their operations more efficient and cost-effective. We promote business productivity and the protection of our product’s users without compromise. 

Our nitrous oxide is sold in cylinders using proficient production, handling, delivery, and maintenance systems. Aside from serving the healthcare industry, we are also the trusted supplier of nitrous oxide in various industries including food and beverage, automotive, electronic manufacturing, and aerospace. 

nexAir is known to be a reliable gas specialist with expertise and a provider of premium products, superb customer service, and total technical support. We help our clients ForgeForward with high quality gases and materials to ensure smooth and safe operations using advanced systems and technologies. 

We help fuel and sustain our client’s success.