Nitrous oxide (N 2 O), commonly known as laughing gas or happy gas, was first discovered in 1793 by the English scientist Joseph Priestly and has been used for more than 150 years.
It has remained one of the most widely used anesthetics in both dental and medical applications. [1] Nitrous oxide is small inorganic chemical molecule and may also be known as dinitrogen oxide or dinitrogen monoxide. It is a colorless and nonflammable gas with a slightly sweet odor. [2] Nitrous oxide also has some illicit recreational uses and abuse potential. It is widely used in multiple nonmedical areas. Some of the nonmedical uses of nitrous oxide include the semiconductor industry, car racing, and food processing. [1]
Nitrous oxide is administered by inhalation, absorbed by diffusion through the lungs, and eliminated via respiration. The elimination half-life of nitrous oxide is approximately 5 minutes. [3] It is excreted essentially unchanged (ie, nonmetabolized) via the lungs; less than 0.004% is actually metabolized in humans.
Nitrous oxide therapy is used for pain management. Utilizing a combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide that is inhaled to provide fast-acting pain relief that increases comfort and aids in calming anxiety. Nitrous oxide is not general anesthesia and will not put you to sleep. It can work in conjunction with local anesthetic to minimize pain or discomfort and lower stress.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” is well-established as a fast-acting mild sedative. While nitrous oxide has been used in medical settings for many years, but what makes this therapy innovative is it’s a self-administered system that empowers you to control your own comfort level. It also features the latest and advanced delivery systems and safety mechanisms.
Benefits of Nitrous Oxide:
- Patient controlled
- No needles
- Non-narcotic
- Fast-acting
- Leaves the system quickly so you can resume your routine
- Patients are able to drive themselves home soon after treatment (with the exception of surgeries)