Does laughing gas make you sleepy?

Does laughing gas put you to sleep?

No. Great Ormond Street Hospital, writing about children, says inhalation sedation does not put a child to sleep: it is a mild sedative, not general anesthesia, and the child stays awake and can talk. Cleveland Clinic says people typically feel calm, relaxed, happy, giggly or mildly euphoric, with lightheadedness, tingling in the arms and legs and a sense of heaviness, as if sinking into the chair.

Does laughing gas make you sleepy?

Possibly a little. Great Ormond Street Hospital says a child may feel relaxed, light or floaty, slightly drowsy, warm, or tingly in their hands or feet. Cleveland Clinic's list of sensations does not include sleepiness, but includes heaviness and calm. Feeling drowsy is not the same as being asleep, and you stay able to respond to the dentist.

How does laughing gas work at the dentist?

Cleveland Clinic says a provider places a mask over the nose and mouth, or a smaller nose-only mask in dental offices, and a tank releases a nitrous oxide and oxygen mixture, starting at a low dose and adjusting as needed. Afterwards you breathe pure oxygen until alert and are monitored briefly before going home. Great Ormond Street Hospital says the mixture is delivered through a nosepiece and helps a child feel calm enough to accept treatment.

How fast does it work and wear off?

Cleveland Clinic says effects begin within about three to five minutes, and after the gas is turned off it takes roughly five to ten minutes to clear, so patients can usually drive soon after. Great Ormond Street Hospital says it takes a few minutes to take effect and a few minutes to wear off, and suits most children. Our guide on how long laughing gas takes to wear off covers the timing.

What are the side effects?

Cleveland Clinic says temporary effects can include headaches, nausea, vomiting and agitation, which typically resolve once the gas leaves the system, and that dizziness or nausea during treatment can often be eased by lowering the dose. It says frequent exposure may cause vitamin B12 deficiency. Great Ormond Street Hospital says a cold or blocked nose stops it working, so call reception if your child is unwell, that greasy or oily food beforehand can cause nausea, and that for the rest of the day children should avoid active sports, swimming, cycling and similar activities and should not cross the road alone.

Does laughing gas stop pain?

Cleveland Clinic says it reduces pain but does not fully eliminate it, so it is commonly paired with local anesthesia. Nitrous oxide itself needs no needle, but the numbing injection that often goes with it does. See our guide on why you can feel your tongue numb.

How long does numbing last after dental work?

Cleveland Clinic's Novocaine page says numbness from a local anesthetic usually wears off in about two hours, with higher amounts, multiple injections and extensive procedures able to extend it. Laughing gas wears off in minutes, so any numbness after it is from the injection. See our guides on how to make numbness go away.

Who should not have laughing gas?

Great Ormond Street Hospital says a cold or blocked nose stops the gas working, so tell the dental team if you or your child is unwell. Cleveland Clinic says frequent exposure may cause vitamin B12 deficiency. The ADA's pregnancy page, which we cite in our guide on fillings in pregnancy, says nitrous oxide is not recommended for pregnant patients or staff. Tell your dentist about pregnancy, breathing problems or a previous reaction before using it, which is general advice and flagged.

Questions to ask your dentist

Take these to your appointment.

• Is laughing gas suitable for me or my child?
• Will I be able to drive afterwards?
• Should I avoid food before the visit?
• Will I also have a numbing injection?
• What should I do if I feel unwell afterwards?

Frequently asked questions