Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

For minor procedures, nitrous or laughing gas may be recommended. It is also used when IV sedation cannot be used, or, to lower someone’s blood pressure somewhat when high. If someone wants light sedation and has difficulty obtaining an escort/ride, we sometimes recommend nitrous. Pregnant patients and patients with recent or past history related to certain retinal/eye conditions should not have nitrous oxide sedation. Examples of when we use it are with children for minor/quick procedures, single tooth extractions, and occasionally during biopsies.