What Is Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
If dental anxiety has kept you from scheduling appointments or following through with recommended care, nitrous oxide sedation may help you feel more comfortable moving forward. This gentle, fast-acting sedation option is designed to reduce stress and promote relaxation without putting you to sleep, making it easier to stay calm during everything, from cleanings to more complex procedures. Often called laughing gas, nitrous oxide can help quiet uneasy thoughts, ease tension, and create a sense of calm during your treatment, all while allowing you to remain awake and communicative. Hearthstone Dentistry offers nitrous oxide sedation for both adults and children at our Houston, TX office. Whether you're managing dental phobia, a strong gag reflex, or just need a little extra support to get through your visit, we'll make sure you feel safe, informed, and in control every step of the way. Find out if nitrous oxide can help support your oral health by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Monica Chau and our team today.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation Work?
Nitrous oxide is delivered through a small, flexible mask (or hood) that rests comfortably over your nose. Before starting your procedure, we'll place the hood and start piping in a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide. As you inhale, you should start to quickly feel more at ease. You'll remain fully awake and able to communicate with Dr. Chau and our team, but you may feel less aware of your surroundings or the sensations from the treatment. Throughout your procedure, we'll adjust the level of sedation based on your comfort and needs. Once it's over, we'll turn off the nitrous oxide and administer 100% oxygen to help clear the gas from your system. Most patients feel completely back to normal shortly after the mask is removed with no lingering effects and no need for an escort or recovery time.
What Are the Benefits of Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
Laughing gas makes dental care more accessible for patients who struggle with fear, sensitivity, or discomfort during treatment. It's especially helpful for younger patients, individuals with a low pain tolerance, or those who have trouble sitting still for a prolonged dental procedure. Some of the benefits of nitrous oxide dental sedation at our Houston, TX practice include:
- Helps manage anxiety and fear during dental visits
- Works quickly and wears off within minutes
- Allows you to remain awake, responsive, and in control
- Can be adjusted throughout the procedure for customized comfort
- Safe for children and adults when administered by trained professionals
- No lengthy recovery time needed — most patients can drive themselves home
Hearthstone Dentistry Reviews
I absolutely loved the patient experience in the this office. I am new in the area and so l just did a goggle search and several dental offices pulled up. My spirit lead me to this office. From the moment l walked into the office l felt welcome. I had spoken with Tabitha earlier that morning to confirm my appointment and I recognized the voice when l walked in. She made sure my paperwork was completed and then introduced me to Pascha. She took all my X-rays and pictures of my teeth.. she was so gentle and kind, asking me if l was okay throughout the procedure. That is huge in my books because it showed she cared/cares. Dr. Chau and Pascha were amazing; they work so well together. They were engaging, as well as reassuring. They made me feel comfortable and safe in their care. Dr. Chau explained and reviewed all the X-rays and pictures. She stopped periodically to ask if I had questions. Dr. Chau and her crew on 10/24/2023 were phenomenal. I highly recommend you checking out Hearthstone Dentist . It’s full of joy.
Everyone is very pleasant. She has quite the uplifting and bubbly personality. Thorough in explaining what the procedure is and ask if I have any questions. Checks that you are doing ok while procedure is being done. Great dentist!
My first time at the dentist and this office made it such a joyful experience. The receptionist at the front desk was helpful and very kind. The dental assistant was patient and informative and the dentist was very thorough, answered all my questions and funny/witty. Great experience!
Very professional and courteous. Always professional, and always taking care of the patient.
I have been coming here for many years. The original dentist retired and I have been seeing Dr Chau since 2021 and she does an excellent job. She takes time to explain all she does and asked for me to ask any questions or concerns I have.
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Manage Dental Phobias
If dental anxiety, discomfort, or past experiences have made it difficult to maintain your oral health, nitrous oxide sedation could make all the difference. Our Houston, TX team offers laughing gas to help you stay relaxed and comfortable, whether you're here for a routine cleaning or a more involved procedure. Contact Hearthstone Dentistry and schedule an appointment with Dr. Chau to learn more about how this option can support a better, more manageable dental experience.