Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen

What are nitrous oxide/oxygen?

Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a common method used to help with a patient’s anxiety and provide some analgesia for a dental procedure a patient for a dental procedure in a safe, effective manner. It is sometimes referred to as “conscious sedation,” as the patient is not completely asleep, although some patients might have no memory of the procedure afterward.

What happens during the procedure?

1. A mask that is attached to a nitrous oxide/oxygen tank with a tube is placed on the patient’s face.
2. Then the patient inhales for a short period of time while the gas is administered.
3. The gas causes the patient to relax and enter an altered conscious state of mind for the dental procedure.

Is any special preparation needed?

The patient may need to avoid food, drink and certain medications prior to the procedure.

What are the risk factors?

Complications from nitrous oxide/oxygen are rare. Patients may be groggy or disoriented after the procedure is finished.

Reviewed by: Suheily Enid Aponte Rodriguez, DMD

This page was last updated on: September 16, 2025 12:37 PM