For many people, the hardest part of dental care is nervousness, not the treatment itself. Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a safe and time-tested way to help you feel calm and comfortable during your visit. It is one of the gentlest forms of sedation available, and its effects wear off quickly once the gas is stopped.
During treatment you breathe a carefully controlled mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a small, comfortable mask over your nose. Within minutes you feel relaxed and a little lighter, while remaining fully awake and able to respond to Dr. Leong. The level is adjusted to keep you comfortable throughout, and at the end of the appointment you breathe pure oxygen so the effects clear within a few minutes.
Because it leaves your system so quickly, nitrous oxide is convenient for busy schedules. In most cases you can drive yourself home and return to your normal day, unlike deeper forms of sedation. It pairs well with root canal therapy, retreatment, and emergency visits, and it is especially helpful for patients who feel anxious in the dental chair.
Nitrous oxide is not right for everyone, so we review your health history and discuss whether it is a good fit. For patients who need a deeper level of relaxation, we also offer oral conscious sedation. Please note that we do not provide IV sedation or general anesthesia. Whatever your comfort needs, we will find an approach that helps you get the care you deserve.
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for an in-person examination. In-office comfort options are limited to nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and, for appropriate patients, oral conscious sedation. We do not provide IV sedation or general anesthesia. Suitability is determined after a review of your health history.
Benefits
- Eases dental anxiety so you can relax during treatment
- You stay awake and able to respond throughout
- Effects wear off within minutes after the mask is removed
- Usually no need for a driver, so it fits a busy day
- A gentle option that pairs well with most procedures
What to expect at your visit
We fit a small mask over your nose and adjust the level so you feel comfortably relaxed while staying awake. At the end, a few minutes of oxygen clears the effect, and most patients feel back to normal quickly.
Is this right for you?
Nitrous oxide is a good fit for patients who feel nervous about dental care, have a sensitive gag reflex, or simply want to feel more at ease. We confirm suitability by reviewing your health history first.
Cost & insurance
Nitrous oxide is not recommended for everyone, including some patients with certain respiratory conditions or during pregnancy. Share your full health history so we can recommend the safest comfort option for you. We do not offer IV sedation or general anesthesia.
For details on coverage and payment options, see insurance & financing, and if this is your first visit, our new patient guide walks through exactly what to expect.
We provide nitrous oxide sedation to patients across San Francisco’s west side, including Ingleside, Parkmerced, and St. Francis Wood. See all the areas we serve.
