Nitrous Oxide/Laughing Gas
Nitrous oxide or "Laughing Gas" is the oldest anesthetic in medicine and dentistry. It is a somewhat sweet smelling gas that is mixed with oxygen and is breathed in through a small mask that sits on top of the nose. It is anxiolytic (decreases anxiety) and analgesic (decreases discomfort) and is used in combination with the local anesthetic such as lidocaine. It usually has a very subtle effect with a quick onset and wears off very quickly. Nitrous oxide is known to be an incomplete anesthetic. In other words, it is not capable to put a person into general anesthesia by itself, under normal circumstances. These properties make it very safe and convenient to use for dental and oral surgical procedures.
Meet Our Doctors:
Dr. Joe Morabit
Dr. Joe Morabit, or “Dr. Joe”, attended Mercer University and the University of Georgia, from which he received a bachelor’s degree in biology. He is a graduate of the Medical College of Georgia with a ...
Dr. William Kapgan
Dr. William Kapgan grew up in Los Angeles. He attended UCLA and received a degree in physiology. He then went on to dental school at University of Pacific in San Francisco. After dental school, Dr. Kapgan ...