If you've watched any movie where one of the characters receives laughing gas, you notice how they start laughing uncontrollably or spilling all their secrets.

But is any of that true? Indeed, you don't want to share some of your deepest secrets with your Jackson sedation dentist or start speaking your mind freely while under dental sedation.

So, let's separate the myths from the facts and see what laughing gas can really do to you.

What Is Laughing Gas?

Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is a mild sedative that we use routinely here at Jackson Family Dentistry. It allows us to help our patients feel more relaxed and receive dental treatment despite their anxiety.

You will inhale the gas through a mask and feel its effects within minutes. The moment you stop inhaling the gas, the effects start to wear off too.

Nitrous oxide is nicknamed "laughing gas" because it can make some people giggle. However, it's not the uncontrollable laughter you see in movies but a slight sense of euphoria that puts you in a really good mood.

Other side effects include:

Headaches
Nausea
Disorientation

So, Does Laughing Gas Make You Say Things?

As we said, your nervous system will relax once you start receiving the gas, and you will begin to feel euphoric. This gas does not make you fall asleep, but you will enter a very relaxed state.

In spite of your calmness, you will be conscious throughout the procedure. That means that you will be able to communicate with your dentist and follow their instructions.

Don't worry! Even though you will be extremely relaxed, you won't start sharing your secrets with your dentist. In fact, it can be a bit difficult to be too chatty, considering that your mouth will be wide open and the doctor will be busy restoring your oral health.

After the treatment, you will stop inhaling the gas, and the dentist will give you pure oxygen instead to help remove any traces of nitrous oxide from your body. You probably won't feel any side effects and can return to your regular activities after the treatment. You can even drive yourself home since the gas doesn't impact your motor skills or ability to focus.

Want to Learn More About Sedation? Call Us!

There are a lot of myths about sedation dentistry, which can make people think twice before using it. That's why it's essential to get all your facts straight and look for information from reliable, trustworthy sources. At Jackson Family Dentistry, we can give you all the details you need about sedation dentistry so that you can make an informed decision.

Whether it's something as minor as a routine cleaning or a tooth extraction, you can benefit from the advantages sedation dentistry can offer.