Nitrous Instructions

Pre-Procedure Fasting

You may have a light meal (such as jelly, soup, or toast) and a drink up to 2 hours before your appointment. However, to reduce the risk of nausea and vomiting, avoid eating or drinking until after the procedure.

Fasting Confirmation: You should not eat or drink anything for 2 hours before your nitrous oxide sedation to prevent nausea and vomiting.

Clothing and Eyewear

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that doesn’t restrict breathing and allows easy access to a blood pressure cuff on your upper arm. Avoid turtlenecks and dresses.

Do not wear contact lenses. Please wear your glasses instead.

Avoid wearing fitted jewelry.

Nail Polish and Makeup

Do not wear nail polish, shellac, or acrylic nails. A probe will be placed on your finger to monitor your pulse and oxygen levels, and these materials can interfere with the device.

Minimal makeup is best. Avoid wearing lipstick or heavy eye makeup on the day of your procedure.

Additional Guidelines

Follow your usual oral hygiene routine before your appointment.

Do not ignore cold symptoms. Nitrous oxide is administered through a nasal mask, and it’s essential that you can breathe easily through your nose. If you have a head or chest cold, contact us immediately as we may need to reschedule your appointment.

Minors (under 18 years old) must have a parent or legal guardian present to sign any consent forms or confirm any changes in treatment.

Do not take any sedatives (for example Ativan) on the day of your appointment unless your dentist is aware of them or they have been prescribed by your dentist.

If you require antibiotic premedication before dental procedures, take your antibiotics 60 minutes before your appointment with a small sip of water.

Have an ice pack ready at home for use after the procedure, if necessary.

BEFORE - Instructions Before Nitrous Oxide Administration

Please carefully follow these instructions to ensure a safe and comfortable experience with nitrous oxide during your procedure.

DURING - Instructions During Nitrous Oxide Use

Nitrous oxide sedation is administered in the dental chair. You will breathe the sedation gas through a small nose piece that does not cover your mouth.

Breathe through your nose only. Inform the dentist if you have trouble breathing through your nose.

Be aware that you may feel sleepy, relaxed, dreamy, floaty, warm, and experience tingling in your hands and feet. You might also be a little forgetful and may not remember the entire procedure afterward.

Staff will monitor your level of sedation AT ALL TIMES to ensure that you can still cooperate and follow verbal instructions.

Local anesthesia ("freezing") will be administered during the procedure to prevent discomfort. This is typically given while you are sedated to minimize any discomfort.

AFTER - Instructions Following Nitrous Oxide Use

The effects of the gas wear off within 3 to 5 minutes after administration stops. Recovery is quick, but you will be observed for a brief period following the sedation.

Nausea and vomiting are extremely rare. If you feel sick or vomit, drink some water or clear liquids such as diluted fruit juice or clear soup to stay hydrated.

Avoid eating solid food for 1 hour or until the numbness subsides to prevent unintentional self-inflicted bite injuries.

When to See a Doctor

Contact your dentist if you vomit more than twice in the first hour after treatment or if you have any questions about your recovery. Please call 705-671-2141

Key Points to Remember

Nitrous oxide gas helps reduce discomfort, pain, and anxiety during dental procedures.

You need to give consent before your sedation.

Nitrous oxide is a mild, generally well-tolerated sedative.

Recovery from nitrous oxide sedation is quick.

You will still be conscious during the procedure; if you expect to have no awareness of treatment, you may require moderate or deep sedation - please inform us about this BEFORE your appointment.

Do not eat anything substantial for 2 hours before sedation.

Nitrous oxide sedation will not work if you cannot breathe through your nose due to allergies, illness, or nervousness.

If you cannot tolerate nitrous sedation, you may require moderate to deep sedation, which may require a referral outside of our office.

Please do not take any form of sedating medication before your sedation appointment. This includes melatonin, cold medications (with antihistamines), antihistamines (allergy medications), and prescription sedation medications.