Nitrous oxide: Conscious sedation
Historical :
Nitrous oxide was discovered in 1776 by Joseph Priestley. He was used from the end of the 18th century as laughing gas at fairs (euphoric effect). Its numbing effects were discovered in 1844 by dentist Horace Wells who experimented with it on himself, which allowed surgery to take a leap forward.
Medical and dental use :
Nitrous oxide (N2O) also called laughing gas (clown nose), has many uses, both in medicine and dentistry. It is an odorless, colorless gas with a sweet taste that can be breathed without danger. He exerts an analgesic effect (eases the pain) and potentiates (increases) the effect of anesthetic drugs administered at the same time.
Nitrous oxide is a gas whose use makes it possible to treat fearful children or turbulent, just as much as adults anxious about dental treatment. It makes children less fearful and adults more relaxed. It makes the individual lose track of time and allows them to feel less pain while remaining conscious.
Desired effects :
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Euphoria, feeling of well-being and laughter;
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Disinhibition;
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Floating effect;
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Visual and auditory distortions;
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Feeling of heaviness in the limbs.
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Modification of the voice, which becomes very serious.
