Happy Gas at the dentist
Happy gas, also called laughing gas or nitrous oxide, is a mild form of sedation you breathe in through a small mask over your nose. It can help you feel calmer and more relaxed during dental treatment, while you stay awake. Happy gas is given by your dentist and usually wears off soon after the mask is removed. Your dentist checks whether it’s suitable for you before your appointment.
Sedation is a medical procedure and carries risks. Not everyone is suitable. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Read about treatment risks.
What is happy gas?
Happy gas is nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen. You breathe it in through a small, soft mask that sits over your nose.
You might hear it called happy gas, laughing gas or nitrous oxide. They’re all the same thing. Despite the name, most people feel calm rather than giggly.
Happy gas is usually used alongside local anaesthetic, which numbs the area being treated. The gas helps you feel more relaxed, and the local anaesthetic manages the feeling in your tooth.
Your dentist adjusts the amount during your appointment and stays with you the whole time.
What does happy gas feel like?
Everyone responds a little differently, but here’s what people commonly notice.
During
How it feels
A warm, light or slightly floaty feeling, sometimes with tingling in your fingers or toes. You stay awake and can talk to your dentist.
Starting
How quickly it works
Most people start to feel relaxed within a few minutes of breathing it in.
After
How quickly it wears off
The effects usually wear off soon after the mask is removed, once you’ve breathed oxygen for a few minutes.
Getting home
Driving afterwards
We recommend someone drives you home after happy gas. Your dentist gives you advice for the rest of the day.
This is general information only. How happy gas affects you can vary, and your dentist explains what to expect before your appointment.
Who might happy gas suit?
Happy gas isn’t right for everyone. Your dentist reviews your medical history and medications to work out whether it’s suitable for you.
Happy gas may suit people with
- Mild nerves about the dentist
- Shorter procedures, such as fillings or cleans
- A strong gag reflex
- A preference to stay awake during treatment
Happy gas is also used for children. Find out about happy gas for kids →
It may not be suitable if you have
- A blocked nose, cold or trouble breathing through your nose
- Certain breathing or lung conditions
- Some medical conditions or medications
- A mask over your nose feels too confining
If you’re pregnant, or have higher anxiety or longer treatment planned, tell your dentist. Other sedation options →
How much does happy gas cost?
Happy gas is quoted per hour, based on how long your appointment is expected to take. The cost is added to your dental treatment and included in your written quote, so you know what to expect before you go ahead.
Your quote
Ask about happy gas at your appointment
Your dentist checks whether happy gas is suitable for you and includes it in your written quote.
What affects the cost
- How long your appointment is
- The treatment you’re having
- Your practice
Interest-free payment plans
Spread the cost with Humm, Afterpay, Zip or TLC. Approval and terms are assessed by each provider.
Health funds
Your dental treatment is claimed on your extras cover as usual. Check with your fund about what you’re covered for.
Written quote first
You’ll know what your appointment costs, including happy gas, before you go ahead.
Fees are quoted individually and depend on your appointment length and treatment plan.
Where is happy gas available?
Happy gas is offered at selected Sunshine Coast practices and at our Brisbane practices. Your practice can tell you which sedation options are available there.
Our Sleep Dentistry Services Include
Happy gas for kids and other sedation options
If happy gas isn’t the right fit, there are other options. Your dentist talks you through what may suit you. Compare all sedation options →
For children
Happy gas for kids
Happy gas is also used to help children feel calmer at the dentist.
Find out more →
Stronger option
Oral sedation
A tablet prescribed by your dentist, taken before your appointment.
Find out more →
Deeper option
IV (twilight) sedation
Assessed by your dentist and an anaesthetist, and monitored by the anaesthetist team.
Find out more →
Fully asleep
General anaesthetic
Given by an anaesthetist at our Maroochydore practice.
Find out more →
How Much Does Happy Gas Cost?
Happy Gas is a cost-effective sedation option, with costs calculated per hour as an adjunct to your dental treatment. During your consultation, your dentist will perform a comprehensive examination, discuss your needs, and provide a detailed quote for your recommended treatment plan, including Happy Gas sedation if applicable.
Book a consultation to discuss Happy Gas
If you’d like to know more about Happy Gas and whether it could make your dental visit more comfortable, get in touch with us at Avenue Dental. Our dentists across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide can talk you through your options and assess whether it’s suitable for you. Book online or call our friendly reception team to have a chat about how we can help.
Flexible payment plans
At Avenue Dental on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne, we understand that dental treatment can be difficult to fit into your budget, which is why we offer a range of different dental payment plan options.
Happy gas FAQs
This is general information only. Your dentist can answer anything else at your consultation.
What is happy gas?
Happy gas is nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen, breathed in through a small mask over your nose. It’s a mild form of sedation that can help you feel calmer and more relaxed during dental treatment, while you stay awake.
Is happy gas the same as laughing gas and nitrous oxide?
Yes. Happy gas, laughing gas and nitrous oxide are different names for the same thing. Despite the name, most people feel calm rather than giggly.
What does happy gas feel like?
Most people feel warm, light or slightly floaty, and sometimes notice tingling in their fingers or toes. You stay awake and can talk to your dentist throughout.
How long does happy gas take to wear off?
The effects usually wear off soon after the mask is removed, once you’ve breathed oxygen for a few minutes. Your dentist checks you before you leave.
Can I drive after happy gas?
We recommend someone drives you home after happy gas. Your dentist gives you advice for the rest of the day.
Will I still need a local anaesthetic?
Usually, yes. Happy gas helps you feel more relaxed, while local anaesthetic numbs the area being treated. Your dentist explains what’s planned for your appointment.
Who gives happy gas?
Happy gas is given by your dentist, who adjusts the amount during your appointment and stays with you the whole time.
Is happy gas safe?
Like any sedation, happy gas carries some risks and possible side effects, such as dizziness, tingling, and less commonly nausea or a headache. Your dentist reviews your medical history and medications before recommending it.
Can children have happy gas?
Happy gas is also used to help children feel calmer at the dentist. Find out more on our happy gas for kids page.
How much does happy gas cost?
Happy gas is quoted per hour, based on how long your appointment is expected to take. The cost is included in your written quote before you go ahead.
Where is happy gas available?
Happy gas is available at selected Sunshine Coast practices and at our Brisbane practices in North Lakes, Murrumba Downs and Woolloongabba.
Can I have happy gas for wisdom teeth removal?
Happy gas may be an option for some wisdom teeth removals, alongside local anaesthetic. For longer or more complex removals, your dentist may suggest IV sedation or general anaesthetic instead.
