imagen del cargador

Odontología

Menú
Menú
Para dentistas

¿Se puede conducir después de tomar gas de la risa? Consejos de seguridad para la sedación dental

Doctor Profile Image

Revisado por Dr. Dennis Rollins, DDO |

Julio de 2025 - 6 min Leer

Reviewed By Dr. Dennis Rollins, DDO | Julio 2025 - 6 min Read

Buscar un dentista

Yes, most people can safely drive after using laughing gas, because its effects wear off almost immediately once you stop inhaling the gas. 

This is how it typically goes:

  1. Before treatment, a member of your dentist’s team will place a nosepiece on you. As you breathe normally, the nosepiece will deliver the laughing gas, helping you feel relaxed and calm. 
  2. The nosepiece will stay in place as your dentist works. You’ll remain awake, responsive, and in control. 
  3. When treatment is done, the nosepiece will be removed. Breathing normal oxygen will flush out any remaining gas. 
  4. Most people feel normal and safe to drive within 3-5 minutes.

Ready-to-Drive Checklist

After your appointment and before driving home, take your time and ask yourself these six questions:

  • Do I feel alert and fully awake?
  • Is my vision clear and not blurry at all?
  • Am I no longer lightheaded, dizzy, or unsteady?
  • Am I free from nausea or any lingering discomfort?
  • Can I comfortably move my head, neck, and arms?
  • Do I feel able to focus and react quickly if needed?

If the answer to all six questions is yes, you’re most likely safe to drive.

Flowchart checklist on alertness, vision, dizziness, nausea, movement, and focus to decide if safe to drive after sedation

What if You Still Feel Unwell?

First and foremost, don’t worry. Not everyone responds to sedation in the same way, and a small number of patients do experience lingering side effects. Here’s what to do if that happens to you.

  1. Don’t try to stand – Stay seated in the waiting room or another safe space and wait for your symptoms to wear off.

     

  2. Let the staff know – Tell your dentist or hygienist how you’re feeling and ask for observation time. They’ll monitor you and provide guidance or treatment if needed.

     

  3. Hydrate slowly – Sip water to help your body recover.

     

  4. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist – If dizziness, nausea, or other concerning symptoms don’t improve, call your doctor or urgent care to rule out other causes.

In the vast majority of cases, lingering effects of laughing gas are not dangerous if they’re handled carefully. Stay calm, be patient, and communicate with your dental team.

How to Prepare for a Dental Appointment With Laughing Gas

To set yourself up for success, follow these easy preparation steps. 

  • Have a light meal – Eat something small 1–2 hours before your appointment. Avoid heavy, greasy, or very sugary foods to reduce your chances of nausea.
  • Hydrate – Drink plenty of water beforehand. Limit caffeine or alcohol, which can increase anxiety and dehydration.
  • Wear comfortable clothing – Dress in loose, non-restrictive clothes to help you relax.
  • Write down all questions or concerns – This can help you communicate clearly, even if you tend to get nervous talking to dentists and their staff.
  • Recruit a backup driver – Let a trusted friend or family member know that you might need a ride in the unlikely event that the side effects of laughing gas linger.
  • Follow any dentist instructions – If your dentist gives specific pre-treatment directions, follow them closely.

Comparing Laughing Gas to Other Sedation Methods

Laughing gas is the most common form of sedation dentists use, but it’s not the only one. 

The technical name for laughing gas is nitrous oxide. When inhaled, this gentle gas helps you feel relaxed and calm, though you stay awake and responsive. The effects almost always wear off a few minutes after treatment ends.

Some dentists also offer oral sedation. These pills make you drowsy or sleepy enough that you may not be fully aware of what’s happening during treatment. These are typically used for patients who are moderately anxious or if the procedure is longer or slightly more invasive. Recovery can take longer, so someone usually needs to drive you home.

IV sedation is delivered through a vein. This method puts you in a deep sleep-like state. You may not remember the procedure at all and will need supervision and a driver afterward. IV sedation is typically used for more extensive procedures and for patients with severe dental anxiety or a dental phobia.

Icons showing three types of dental sedation: laughing gas, IV sedation, and oral sedation

Which Sedation Type is Right for You?

Consider your anxiety level and the kind of treatment you’re coming in for. If your anxiety is mild and the procedure is short and simple, laughing gas will likely be sufficient. If your anxiety is more severe or the procedure is more involved, oral or even IV sedation might be helpful. 

In any case, it’s best to consult with your dentist to create the right plan.   

A Note on Dental Anxiety

Many patients feel anxious about dental procedures, and dental teams are trained and willing to help you stay as calm and comfortable as possible throughout your appointment. There’s no shame in requesting sedation, in asking any and every question about your treatment, or in taking your time to recover after your procedure.

Make sure to find a dentist that offers the right anti-anxiety methods for you, and keep in mind that taking care of dental health contributes significantly to overall health. 

Si necesita ayuda para encontrar un dentista en su zona, haga clic en aquí o llámenos al (888) 597-3896.  

¿Necesita ayuda para encontrar un dentista?

Buscar un dentista