Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that’s commonly known as “laughing gas”. When inhaled, it slows the body’s reaction time and increases the pain threshold, keeping the patient relaxed yet alert enough to communicate with the dentist. It’s a fast-acting sedative with effects that fade shortly after the treatment ends, making it one of the safest forms of dental sedation. Read on to learn more about how nitrous oxide is used, its safety profile, and potential side effects.
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