Why Don’t Dentists Use Nitrous Oxide Anymore?
A Friendly Guide to Modern Dental Sedation
Have you noticed that fewer dentists offer laughing gas these days? If you’ve had dental work in the past—maybe as a child, or even just a few years ago—there’s a good chance you remember the little mask and the funny, floaty feeling that made you less nervous. So what’s changed? Are dentists done with nitrous oxide, or is there another reason? If you feel a bit confused, or you’re nervous about an upcoming dental visit, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place for answers.
Let’s go through the simple facts, clear up the usual misunderstandings, and make sure you leave here feeling good about what’s going on at the dentist’s office.
In This Article
- Introduction: The Changing World of Dental Sedation
- Is Nitrous Oxide Still Used in Dentistry?
- Why Are Dentists Using Laughing Gas Less?
- Other Methods That Work Better
- Safety Concerns for Workers and Patients
- Cost and Upkeep
- New Rules and Training
- What Patients Want and How Well It Works
- Better Local Numbing
- Where Does Nitrous Oxide Still Work Best?
- Your Dental Sedation Choices Explained
- Who’s a Good Match for Nitrous Oxide (and Who Isn’t)?
- Key Points & Tips for Your Best Dental Visit
Introduction: The Changing World of Dental Sedation
Picture yourself walking into the dentist’s office, feeling a little scared. Maybe as a kid, laughing gas was what helped you feel brave. Now, you might be surprised it isn’t always offered. You might wonder: “Is Laughing Gas Safe? Does my dentist just not like it? Should I worry?”
The simple truth is: nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is still here, but how dentists use it—how much, for who, and why—has changed a lot. These days, dentists have more ways than ever to help with pain and nerves, and they pick what works best for each person.
Let’s see why nitrous oxide isn’t the main choice anymore and what that means for you.
Is Nitrous Oxide Still Used in Dentistry?
Here’s the quick answer:
Yes, nitrous oxide is still used in many dental offices—but not as much, and rarely by itself.
Laughing gas is just one tool in a dentist’s kit. It helps when someone is a little nervous or for short treatments. Kids’ dentists use it a lot. But with adults who need to really relax or for bigger dental jobs, dentists usually pick something else.
According to surveys from the American Dental Association, about 78% of dentists still have nitrous oxide. It’s mainly found in kids’ offices and for simple, easy jobs. So, it’s not gone—it’s just not the only way anymore.
Why Are Dentists Using Laughing Gas Less?
Wondering why dentists use laughing gas less these days? It’s a little bit about science, new rules, and just what works better. Let’s break it down:
Other Methods That Work Better
Oral Sedation
Taking a pill (like Valium or similar medicine) helps people relax more deeply and for longer. These pills are swallowed before getting dental work and keep you calm even after you leave (but you need a ride home).
IV Sedation
Medicine through a small needle in your arm lets the dentist control how sleepy you get. They can turn it up or down as needed. This is good for people who get really bad nerves, or when the dental work will take a long time.
General Anesthesia & Heavy Sedation
For really tough jobs or very nervous people, dentists (or usually oral surgeons) can put you all the way to sleep. You won’t feel or remember anything, but you’ll need more time to wake up and it costs more.
Safety Concerns for Workers and Patients
Staff Safety
A big reason for less laughing gas: small amounts of the gas can leak into the air, even with good equipment. For workers who are around it every day, it might cause health problems after many years, like trouble having babies or issues with nerves.
Not Safe for Everyone
Nitrous oxide isn’t safe for:
- People with bad lung problems (COPD or bad asthma)
- Some women who are pregnant (especially early in pregnancy)
- People who don’t like wearing a nose mask (if you feel trapped, it’s not fun)
Hurts the Earth
Did you know nitrous oxide is bad for the environment? It’s a strong greenhouse gas. Some dental offices now try to go green and cut down on it.
Cost and Upkeep
It costs a good bit to put in and look after a nitrous oxide setup. You have to buy tanks, hoses, masks, and special machines to get rid of extra gas. There’s a lot of checking, fixing, and filling needed. Giving a pill for oral sedation is often cheaper and easier.
New Rules and Training
There are more rules now. Dentists and their teams must get extra lessons and special permits to use any kind of sedation—not just laughing gas. They also have to practice what to do if something goes wrong and keep up with lots of paperwork. For many, it’s not worth it if hardly anyone asks for laughing gas.
What Patients Want and How Well It Works
Today, patients want choices for feeling comfortable.
Some don’t like the feeling of the nose mask. For others, laughing gas doesn’t relax them enough, especially if the dental job is bigger. Lots of people now want oral or IV sedation that keeps them extra calm and works for longer.
Better Local Numbing
Don’t forget: numbing shots (local anesthesia) have also gotten much better. Modern ones can keep your mouth pain-free for hours. If numbing works well, you might not need calming medicine at all.
Where Does Nitrous Oxide Still Work Best?
Is laughing gas going away? Nope!
Dentists still use laughing gas for:
- Mild or not-so-bad nerves: When you just need to feel a little calmer without side effects.
- Kids: Kids usually do fine with it, and it leaves their system fast.
- Quick visits: It’s good for speedy work like fillings or fluoride treatments.
- Helping with a strong gag reflex: Laughing gas helps calm the urge to gag.
- Needing to leave right away: You can drive yourself home after laughing gas (but not with pills or IV sedation—you’ll need a ride).
Now, nitrous oxide is one of a few options. Dentists often use it with numbing shots for a calm, pain-free visit.
Your Dental Sedation Choices Explained
Wondering what choices you or your child have? Here’s a simple rundown:
1. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
- How it works: You breathe a mix of laughing gas and oxygen through a small nose mask. The dentist can make you more or less relaxed while you chat. You stay awake but feel lighter and not so anxious.
- How long it lasts: Short; goes away a few minutes after the mask comes off.
- Good things: You feel normal soon after; no hangover; very safe for most people.
- Not-so-good: Not strong enough for everyone; some hate the mask; not safe for some health problems.
2. Oral Sedation (Pills or Liquid)
- How it works: You take a medicine by mouth before you come in. It calms you—could make you a little sleepy or just relaxed.
- How long it lasts: Longer; sticks around for a few hours.
- Good things: No mask needed; works better for big fears; easy to give.
- Not-so-good: You can’t drive home; lasts after you leave; can’t be turned off fast like laughing gas.
3. IV Sedation
- How it works: Medicine goes into your vein through a small needle. You are very sleepy but might still hear and answer questions.
- How long it lasts: However long the dentist keeps the medicine going.
- Good things: Very adjustable; works great for big or scary dental jobs.
- Not-so-good: Costs more; dentists need more training; you’ll definitely need a ride home.
4. General Anesthesia
- How it works: You are fully asleep—you won’t know or feel anything. Usually only for tough surgeries, really little kids, or people who are scared of everything dental.
- How long it lasts: Until you wake up after the work is done.
- Good things: You’ll have no pain or memory of the visit.
- Not-so-good: Costs the most; higher risk; usually done in special clinics or hospitals only.
5. Help Without Medicine
Not everyone with nerves needs medicine. Some people do great with therapy, hypnosis, music, movies on TV screens, or even virtual reality headsets.
For faster and easier dental work, some clinics now use digital gadgets and modern numbing that get you out of the chair quicker. (Ever heard of a digital dental lab? They help make special mouth pieces really fast, so you spend less time in the dental chair!)
Who’s a Good Match for Nitrous Oxide (And Who Isn’t)?
Nitrous Oxide Might Be Right If:
- You have mild or medium nerves and want to stay awake
- Your dental work is simple or not very long (like a filling or cleaning)
- You hate pills or shots (there’s no needle for laughing gas)
- You want to drive home after your visit
You Might Need Another Option If:
- You are really scared or had bad dental visits before
- Your treatment will take a long time or will be tricky (like implants or pulling lots of teeth)
- You have health problems that make laughing gas unsafe (some lung conditions, certain blood troubles, pregnancy)
- You can’t stand a mask over your nose, or being closed in makes you panic
A good dentist will always pick what’s best for you, based on your health and what needs to be done.
Breaking It Down: Fast Facts and Key Studies
What do the experts say?
- Yes, it’s still around—especially for kids.
ADA reports say more than three out of four family dentists can use nitrous oxide, but they don’t use it as much, or they use it only when it truly helps.
- Safety is for both patients and workers.
Laughing gas is very safe for most patients, but the slow leaks into office air and rare problems (like nausea or headache) have made some offices use it less.
- Costs and rules add up.
Buying, fixing, and following all the paperwork for nitrous oxide equipment can cost a lot. Rules now mean more work for dentists who use it.
- Being green is more important now.
More dentists care about the environment, so they cut down on waste gases like laughing gas (part of “green dentistry”).
Sources: the American Dental Association, state dental boards, and dental safety books.
Your Healthy Dental Sedation Playbook
Need help picking the right calming option? Try this:
Nitrous oxide
- Fast, easy, and leaves your body in minutes.
- Great for kids, short appointments, or just a little boost of comfort.
- May not be enough for big dental jobs or strong fears.
Oral sedation
- Works stronger, keeps you calm for longer, but you’ll need a ride home.
- Good for longer or tougher dental work.
- Cheaper and simpler than laughing gas in some offices.
IV sedation
- Best for tricky jobs or if you have a lot of fear.
- Easy to adjust, but you need a skilled team and close watching.
- Bring a friend to drive you home and be ready to rest all day.
General anesthesia
- Only used for special cases, usually not in a regular office.
- Most expensive, puts you in deep sleep, comes with some risks.
When to Ask Your Dentist About Sedation
You should always talk about being comfortable. Bring up sedation if:
- You’ve been very scared of dental work before.
- You need a long or tricky visit soon.
- You’ve had times when numbing didn’t work (nobody wants pain during dental work).
- You care about driving yourself home or want to walk out right away.
Every office is a little different. Some newer clinics—using tools like 3D dental labs to speed things up—can get you treated quicker, so you may not need much or any sedation.
“Who Is This For?” – Who Can Use Laughing Gas?
Most healthy kids and adults who only need a little calming for basic care are good candidates for laughing gas. But if you’re getting a full new smile, have health problems, or get super nervous just hearing “open wide,” deeper options may help you more.
Some dental work—like veneers or implants—may need different kinds of calming methods and other new dental tech. Always ask your dentist about all your choices.
If you have health issues or you’re looking after a kid with special needs, let your dentist know early. There’s always a way to make your visit easier.
Your Healthy Takeaway
Let’s keep it simple:
- Laughing gas is still here, just used less, and for certain people or jobs.
- It’s not about it being unsafe; other choices work better now. Pills and IV options are often more comfy, and new numbing shots are really good too.
- Safety matters—for everyone. Dentists want to make things safe for you, their workers, and the planet.
- You can always ask about calming options. There are no silly questions at the dentist. How you feel matters!
- Take control! Whether you’re getting a simple check or a big procedure, the dentist should help you pick what makes you comfortable.
Next Steps: How to Make Your Dental Visit Smooth
- If you’re nervous about dental work, talk about it.
- Ask your dentist what sedation choices you have and why they suggest them.
- Tell your dentist about your health and any past problems—they need this to help you best.
- If you want major dental repairs (crowns, bridges, implants), know that labs like crown and bridge support dentists with new tech, so things go easier and faster.
- Always check if you can drive home after your visit—they’ll tell you.
- For tough treatments, ask if they use digital tools or special labs to save you time in the chair (which can mean less need for calming medicine).
Remember:
Dental calming methods have never offered more choices—or been more friendly. If laughing gas helped you before, it’s still around. But if you want something even stronger, longer, or more flexible, there’s never been a better time to get what works best for you.
A healthy, happy smile starts with being comfy in the dental chair—and today, that’s something you can count on.
This article was checked by real dentists. For more info or to get advice on calming choices, call your local dentist. Your comfort comes first, every single time.
