Nitrous oxide and oxygen have been used for over 100 years and have a long-standing safety record. It is commonly used in hospitals during labor and delivery, post-surgery units, pediatric units and dental offices. When it’s administered, patients are awake (conscious), responsive, and breathing on their own.

Nitrous oxide is a “drug” with contraindications for use that your provider will review with you. Additional risks could include combining N2O / O2 with other drugs and medications. It is important to discuss using the Nitronox system with your provider before you start treatment.

No. Nitrous oxide and oxygen do not eliminate pain. It is intended to take the edge off, help the patient relax and manage discomfort.

The Nitronox system runs on demand-flow technology, meaning that it only delivers the gas mixture through a mask or mouthpiece when you inhale. After several deep breaths, you will start to feel more relaxed—this is because the gas triggers the release of the body’s natural endorphins and dopamine. Inhalations can be administered on an as-needed basis throughout your treatment. Once you stop inhaling, the feeling will wear off within 5-10 minutes.

Most will say it makes them feel relaxed, arms and legs feel light, tingling in extremities (hands/feet), floating feeling, sinking into a chair feeling, etc.

No, the device always administers 50% nitrous oxide AND 50% oxygen, ensuring that you are getting a safe amount of nitrous oxide. This ratio is not strong enough to provide anesthesia or to put you to sleep.

Most patients will feel the effects of nitrous oxide within a minute or two. As with any medication, the effects may vary from patient to patient. For some, it will work great and for others, it may either not be enough or they will not like how it is making them feel. Once you stop inhaling the gas mixture it will be completely out of your system within 5-10 minutes. You will start feeling back to normal almost immediately.

Side effects are usually minimal. Dizziness, nausea—if left unmanaged, may result in vomiting. If you do not like how you feel during your self-administered application, you can stop and breathe room air, which should quickly reverse any negative effects.

This is dependent on the procedure performed, other medications administered etc. The effects of nitrous oxide are completely out of your system within a few minutes. It is reasonable (assuming all other discharge criteria is met) that a patient can safely go home about 10 minutes after ceasing use of nitrous oxide and oxygen.