If you or your child feel nervous about dental visits but don't need deep sedation, nitrous oxide — commonly called laughing gas — offers the perfect solution. At Dental Sedation Ottawa, we use this time-tested sedation method to help thousands of patients each year feel calm and comfortable during dental procedures, with effects that wear off completely within minutes of your appointment ending.
Nitrous oxide is the first level in our complete spectrum of sedation options. It provides exactly the right amount of comfort without deeper sedation and recovery time.
Let's discuss your options and find the comfort level that works best.
For severe dental phobia, complex surgical procedures, or extensive treatment needs:
The gas enhances calming neurotransmitters (like GABA) while reducing anxiety-related chemicals. This creates a pleasant, relaxed state where you remain conscious but feel less worried. Your pain perception decreases slightly, though we still use local anesthetic to numb specific areas for complete comfort.
Unlike other sedatives, nitrous oxide doesn't get metabolized by your liver or kidneys. You breathe it in, it provides its effects, then you breathe it out completely unchanged. This is why it works so quickly and wears off so rapidly. The gas is mixed with pure oxygen, so you're actually breathing a higher concentration of oxygen than normal room air.
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Nitrous oxide is remarkably safe for patients of all ages:
Compared to other sedation methods, nitrous oxide offers unique advantages:
$75 – $150 CAD
Most dental insurance plans cover nitrous oxide at 50–80% when used for medically necessary procedures or documented dental anxiety.
Many plans cover it fully for children's procedures.
We provide direct billing to major insurers and accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).
Per-appointment fee depending on procedure duration. Total cost includes sedation plus the dental treatment being performed.
Our patients consistently rate us 5 stars for gentle, anxiety-free care. Read verified patient experiences on Google.
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