What is inhalation sedation (happy air)?
Inhalation sedation can help you feel less worried, and help you to cope when having dental treatment. We sometimes call inhalation sedation ‘happy air’.
What will happen when I have inhalation sedation?
* If you have a blocked nose your appointment may need to be moved to another day*
- You should eat a light meal two hours before your appointment (for example a sandwich). Then have no food or drink until after your appointment.
- The dentist will place a soft mask on your nose. You will breathe in a mixture of two gases (nitrous oxide and oxygen) through your nose.
- The gas does not smell. It makes you feel relaxed and less anxious. You may also feel lightheaded, floaty and get a tingly feeling in your hands and feet. The gas will not make you go to sleep and you will be able to talk to the dentist.
- If you are having a filling or a tooth removed the area will need to be made numb, but the ‘happy air’ which you are breathing will help to take away the worry.
- After the dentist has finished you will breathe air (oxygen) for 3-5 minutes. This will make you feel back to normal. The dentist will then be able to send you home.
What will happen when I go home?
- Most people can carry on with their normal daily activities and you may be able to go back to school after your appointment. We do not recommend that you do any sporting activities for the rest of the day.
Is inhalation sedation safe?
- Inhalation sedation is very safe and is suitable for most patients.
- A blocked nose, for example, when you have a cold, makes breathing the ‘happy air’ difficult and will stop it working. If you have a blocked nose your appointment may need to be moved to another day.
- There are a few circumstances when sedation cannot be given. You must let your dentist know if you could be or are pregnant, or breastfeeding.
For further information contact the child dental health department on the below numbers:
- Tel: 0191 282 5110 (8.30am-5.00pm)
- Fax: 0191 282 5106
Our address is Newcastle Dental Hospital Richardson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4AZ.
Useful websites
If you would like further information about health conditions and treatment options, you may wish to have a look at the NHS Choices website.
To view accessibility information for our hospitals.
Contact PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) for help, advice and information about NHS services.
Information produced by Child Dental Health Department.
