Nitrous Oxide (N2O) :
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a chemical compound with the formula N2O. It is an oxide of nitrogen. At room temperature, it is a colorless, non-flammable gas, with a slightly sweet odor and taste.
Nitrous oxide is simply a gas which can be inhaled. Nitrous works by killing pain and inducing a pleasurable feeling. After about 5 minutes or so of breathing in a combination of Nitrous oxide and Oxygen, one should feel a euphoric feeling spread throughout the body. One may experience light headedness or get the giggles (hence the nick name Laughing Gas)
How is Nitrous Oxide administered?
The equipment used for delivering nitrous oxide is quite simple. It consists of a supply of compressed gases and an apparatus which delivers the gases to the patient. Flow meters and pressure gauges allow the administrator to keep a close eye on the flow of gases. the desired N2O/O2 mix is fed through a tube to which a nasal hood or cannula is attached. This hood is placed over the patients nose. All the patient has to do after the hood has been placed, is simply breathe normally through their nose. Nitrous is typically administered at a percentage of 70% Oxygen to 30% Nitrous Oxide.
Our Nitrous Oxide machine is the latest model on the market, which has a vacuum port allowing us to suction away the waste gas. This is important because we only want the patient to experience the Nitrous Oxide, not the dental professionals working on the patient.
Advantages to Nitrous Oxide