Inhalation Sedation
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
This is the mildest form of sedation. It consists of a mix of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oxygen. This produces a mild sense of relaxation as well as an ability to mildly raise a patients pain threshold. It can be used alone or in combination with local anesthesia (Novocaine). The advantages include:
- Works well for mild to moderate anxiety
- Fast onset
- Flexible duration
- Easy to control or adjust level
- Rapid recovery
- Few side effects
- Analgesic effect
- You do not require a driver
- You can return to your normal activities immediately
The disadvantages of inhalation sedation include:
- Patients with severe anxiety may require a higher level of sedation
- Contraindicated in patients with respiratory problems
- Claustrophobic patients generally object to wearing a nose piece