Kim Loos Dr. Kimberly A. Loos practices general dentistry in San Jose, California. She is also a clinical instructor at University of Pacific School of Dentistry and an editor for Dentistry On-Line. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most common inhalation sedation used in dentistry. It is easy to administer given proper training. Nitrous oxide is effective, nonallergenic, and it does not restrict patient activity once they leave the dental office.
Most dental offices use a continuous-flow unit.
There are also some safety features designed to prevent the delivery of less than normal atmospheric levels of oxygen. The rubberized nasal hood is first placed over the nose, and the patient is asked to breathe through their nose. Two conducting tubes bring the gas to the patient and a second set of tubes carry the exhaled gases away. These extra tubes, in addition to a double nosepiece, are known as a scavenging system. This system helps prevent the chairside personnel from breathing the nitrous oxide exhaled into the ambient air as the dental work is done.