You don’t have to struggle with dental anxiety.

Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide) Sedation in Norlane, Geelong

Feeling nervous about a dental visit is common. Laughing gas — also known as nitrous oxide sedation — is one option our AHPRA-registered dentists may offer to help you feel calmer during treatment. It's not the right option for everyone, so we'll always discuss suitability with you first.
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21 Princes Hwy, Norlane, VIC 3214
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laughing gas
Norlane · Geelong Est. 1974
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What Is Laughing Gas?

Laughing gas is a mild sedative gas (nitrous oxide) mixed with oxygen and breathed in through a small nosepiece that sits over your nose. Many patients find it helps them feel more at ease during dental treatment. It is not a general anaesthetic — you remain conscious throughout, and you'll be able to hear and respond to your dentist's instructions.

Once the nosepiece is in place, you're asked to breathe normally. Over a few minutes some patients notice light-headedness, tingling in the hands or feet, or a feeling of heaviness in the limbs, followed by a sense of calm. Any effects generally ease soon after the gas is stopped, though how each person responds can vary.

Please note: As with any dental treatment or sedation, laughing gas carries some risk and is not suitable for every patient or every procedure. Your dentist will assess your medical history and discuss the risks, benefits and alternatives with you before any treatment begins, and will ask for your informed consent.

Speak with your Norlane dentist about whether laughing gas may be an appropriate option for your circumstances..

The Norlane Dental team
Norlane · Geelong

Reported Effects of Laughing Gas

Nitrous oxide is a central nervous system depressant, so its effects vary depending on the dose and the individual. Patients have reported:

  • A feeling of relaxation or calm
  • Occasional giggling — the source of the "laughing gas" nickname
  • Mild sound distortion in some cases

Not every patient experiences the same effects, and your dental team will monitor you throughout the appointment.

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Laughing Gas for Dental Procedures

At Norlane Dental Aesthetics and Implants, we provide a wide range of dental treatments at our clinic, including inhalation sedation with Laughing gas.
01.
Explanations
Before Treatment
Your dentist will explain the procedure and the sedation, and ask for your informed consent. You'll be asked about your medical history, and any risks — including possible drops in oxygen levels — will be discussed.

02.

Recommendations
Fasting Guidance
Your dentist may recommend a light meal (such as soup or toast) and a drink up to two hours beforehand, with nothing further to eat or drink until after treatment. Always follow your dentist's specific instructions.

03.

Observations
During Treatment
The gas is delivered through a small nosepiece. You may feel relaxed, warm, or notice tingling in the hands and feet. A team member monitors your sedation level throughout to make sure you can still respond to instructions. Local anaesthetic may also be used.

04.

Afterwards
After Treatment
Effects generally ease quickly once the gas is stopped, and you'll be monitored briefly afterwards. Some patients report mild nausea. Take care not to bite a numb lip or cheek, and let us know if you feel unwell.
A recommended sedation method for children who are anxious

Laughing Gas for Childrens

Nitrous oxide sedation is sometimes used for children who feel anxious about dental visits, and may be considered as one option among others. Suitability differs from child to child — some may find the nosepiece uncomfortable or experience nausea. Our dentists will discuss the most appropriate approach for your child during consultation.
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Common questions

Frequently asked questions.

General information only — your dentist will go through the specifics that apply to you at your assessment.
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Speak with our Norlane Dental team.

Norlane Dental Aesthetics and Implants offers a range of dental treatments, including inhalation sedation with laughing gas. To find out whether it may suit you, call our team or request an appointment online.
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Call (03) 5278 2666
Location

Norlane Dental Aesthetics & Implants

21 Princes Highway
Norlane VIC 3214

Direct line

(03) 5278 2666

Reception is happy to help with enquiries and appointments

Hours

Mon – Thu · 8:30am – 6:30pm
Fri · 8:30am – 5:30pm
Sat · 8:30am – 4:00pm

Parking

Ample free on-site parking

Easy access from the Princes Highway, Norlane

Important information
This page is general information only and does not constitute dental or medical advice. It is not a substitute for a consultation with an AHPRA-registered dental practitioner, who will assess your individual suitability for sedation based on your medical history. Any dental or sedation procedure carries risks; before proceeding, you should discuss these risks, expected benefits and alternatives with your dentist, and seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner if you wish.