At Sawgrass Dental Arts in Coral Springs, your comfort is our priority. That’s why we offer nitrous oxide sedation, a trusted method that helps patients relax during dental procedures without putting them to sleep. Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small nose mask and takes effect within minutes—creating a calm, floaty sensation that reduces anxiety, discomfort, and fear. It’s especially helpful for those with dental anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, or difficulty sitting through longer appointments. Best of all, its effects wear off quickly, so you can safely resume your day after treatment.
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Why Should I Get Sedation?
If you’ve ever felt nervous about going to the dentist, nitrous oxide can make a big difference. Many patients find that it turns a stressful appointment into a manageable—or even positive—experience. Because nitrous helps you stay calm and at ease, your dentist can often complete more in a single visit, reducing the need for follow-ups. And since it wears off quickly, there’s no grogginess or need for someone to drive you home. It’s a simple, low-stress solution that can make dental care feel much more approachable.
Did you know…
Nitrous oxide takes effect within minutes and wears off just as quickly—no recovery time needed.
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The Benefits Of Sedation
Increased Comfort
Nitrous oxide helps patients feel completely relaxed during treatment. It dulls discomfort and creates a sense of ease, making dental care feel more comfortable—even for those with a low pain threshold or dental sensitivity.
Reduced Anxiety
If you dread dental visits or experience fear in the chair, nitrous oxide provides a safe, calming experience. It reduces nervousness and helps you feel more in control, leading to better overall dental health.
Quick Recovery
Unlike other forms of sedation, nitrous wears off within minutes of removing the mask. You can safely drive yourself home and return to work, school, or errands without lingering drowsiness or downtime.
The Nitrous Oxide Treatment Process
Initial Consultation and Assessment
Your experience begins with a thoughtful consultation at Sawgrass Dental Arts. Dr. Fabiola Liendo will review your medical history and discuss your concerns to ensure nitrous oxide is right for you. This step helps us understand your comfort level and customize your care accordingly.
Administering Nitrous Oxide
On the day of your procedure, a small nose mask is placed to gently deliver nitrous oxide gas. You’ll begin to feel its calming effects within a few minutes. Throughout your treatment, we’ll adjust the dosage as needed and closely monitor you to ensure you remain safe and comfortable.
Dental Procedure Execution
Once you’re fully relaxed, we’ll move forward with your dental procedure—whether it’s a cleaning, filling, or something more complex. Most patients feel time passes quickly and often leave surprised at how easy the visit felt. Afterward, we’ll flush the gas with oxygen, and you’ll feel back to normal within minutes.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nitrous oxide safe for all patients?
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Yes, nitrous oxide is widely used and considered one of the safest forms of sedation in dentistry. It’s non-addictive, non-allergenic, and wears off quickly. During your consultation, we’ll review your medical history to ensure it’s a good fit for you.
Can I request nitrous oxide for any dental procedure?
In most cases, yes. Nitrous oxide can be used for anything from routine cleanings to more involved procedures like fillings or extractions. If you tend to feel anxious or uncomfortable during dental visits, we encourage you to let us know ahead of time. We’re happy to include nitrous as part of your personalized treatment plan to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.
Will I be awake during my procedure with nitrous oxide?
Yes. Nitrous oxide doesn’t put you to sleep—it simply helps you relax. You’ll stay conscious and responsive throughout your visit, but feel calm, less aware of discomfort, and much more at ease.
How long do the effects of nitrous oxide last?
The calming effects begin within a few minutes of inhalation and wear off just as quickly after the gas is stopped. Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the appointment without any lingering drowsiness.
What does nitrous oxide feel like?
Many describe the sensation as light, floaty, and warm. Some feel slightly tingly or even giggly, which is why it’s called “laughing gas.” It helps distract your mind from the procedure and promotes a sense of calm.
Do I need to fast before using nitrous oxide?
No fasting is necessary, but we recommend eating a light meal a few hours beforehand. Avoid heavy, greasy foods, and let us know if you’re feeling congested, as this may affect how well you breathe through your nose during treatment.
Can children use nitrous oxide?
Yes! Nitrous oxide is commonly and safely used for children. It helps ease anxiety, reduce gag reflexes, and makes dental appointments more comfortable. Our team has experience using nitrous for kids and ensures it’s always administered with care.
Is nitrous oxide covered by insurance?
Coverage varies depending on your insurance provider and the nature of your procedure. Our team is happy to review your benefits and give you a clear estimate of any out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.
Are there any side effects of nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide is generally very well tolerated. Occasionally, some patients may experience mild side effects like light-headedness, nausea, or a headache—but these are rare and usually temporary. We monitor you closely during your visit to minimize the risk of side effects, and most patients feel completely normal within a few minutes of stopping the gas.
How is nitrous oxide different from oral or IV sedation?
Unlike oral or IV sedation, which have longer-lasting effects and may require you to arrange a ride home, nitrous oxide is inhaled and wears off almost immediately. It allows you to remain awake and in control, and you can resume your normal routine right after your visit. It's also adjustable in real time, meaning we can increase or decrease the dosage instantly based on how you're feeling.
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