We used nitrous oxide with oxygen to ease anxiety and local anesthetic to numb the treatment area so you could be comfortable and safe. At the end, we delivered 100% oxygen to clear nitrous from your system.

• Numbness of lip/cheek/tongue may last 2–6 hours (sometimes longer for lower teeth).

• After nitrous, most patients feel normal within 5–15 minutes. Mild light-headedness, chill/warmth, or nausea can occur briefly.

• Keep gauze or a rolled cotton between teeth and cheek if you’re tempted to bite.

• If you accidentally bite your lip/cheek: apply cool compresses 10–15 min, then petroleum jelly to keep moist. Call us if the area looks white/pale, very swollen, or ulcerated the next day.

• Nausea prevention: small, frequent sips of water; slow position changes.

• Sinus/respiratory congestion: may reduce nitrous effectiveness; tell us at future visits.

• B12 issues are extremely rare with brief dental use; if you notice unusual tingling that persists, contact us.

Activity & safety (today)

• Do not do anything requiring sharp coordination or quick judgment until you feel fully normal (driving, ladders, heavy machinery, important decisions).

• Children: an adult should supervise until numbness is gone—kids commonly chew/bite their lip/cheek when it feels “puffy.”

Pain control (only use what your provider approved)

• If you can take NSAIDs:Ibuprofen 600 mg every 6 hours as needed (with food). Max 2,400 mg/day.

• You may combine or alternate with Acetaminophen 500 mg every 6 hours as needed. Max 3,000 mg/day total acetaminophen.

• If you cannot take NSAIDs: use Acetaminophen alone (same limits).

Avoid alcohol, recreational drugs, or sedative medications the rest of today. If you took any additional sedative (you would have been told), do not drive or sign legal documents for 24 hours.

Eating:

• While numb: avoid hot drinks and chewing on the numb side to prevent burns or biting injuries.

• Start with light, soft foods (yogurt, eggs, soup that’s warm—not hot). Advance as you feel normal.

• If your stomach feels off, sip clear fluids (water, electrolyte drink) and eat small portions.

Common/normal (first day):

• Mild tingling, light headache, or brief nausea after nitrous.

• Palpitations or jitteriness for a few minutes after injections that contain epinephrine.

• Injection-site tenderness or jaw tightness for 24–48 hours.

Call us if you experience:

• Persistent vomiting, severe dizziness, or headache that doesn’t improve with hydration and rest.

• Allergic-type symptoms (hives, wheeze, swelling), or numbness/weakness that lasts beyond 24 hours.

• Severe pain, swelling, fever ≥ 100.4°F (38°C), or bleeding that doesn’t slow with firm pressure.

• Trouble breathing or swallowing → call 911 / go to the ER.

▶ What is nitrous oxide?

A fast-acting inhaled calming medicine mixed with oxygen. You wear a small nose mask and stay awake, able to talk and cooperate the whole time.

▶ How will I feel?

Most people feel relaxed, warm, light, and less aware of time. You may feel tingling in fingers/toes or a floating sensation. If anything feels too strong, tell us—we can turn it down or off immediately.

▶ How quickly does it wear off?

Very quickly. We give you 100% oxygen at the end, and most patients feel normal within 5–15 minutes.

▶ Can I drive after nitrous?

In most cases yes, once you feel completely normal and your dentist confirms recovery. (If you also received any other sedative medication, you must not drive for 24 hours.)

▶ What should I eat beforehand?

Have a light meal 2–3 hours before your visit. An empty stomach can cause lightheadedness; a heavy/greasy meal can increase nausea.

▶ What are possible side effects?

Brief nausea, dizziness, headache, or chills/shivering. These usually pass within minutes after oxygen. Tell us right away if you feel nauseated—we can lower the level or take a break.

▶ Is nitrous safe for kids?

Yes, when used as directed. An adult should supervise after the appointment until oral numbness wears off so children don’t bite lips/cheeks.

▶ Who should not use nitrous or should use extra caution?

Tell us if you have any of the following:

• Severe nasal congestion (nitrous works through the nose)

• Late pregnancy (we avoid use in the first trimester; we individualize later pregnancy)

• Known vitamin B12 deficiency, pernicious anemia, or prior gastric-bypass/absorption disorders

• COPD with CO₂ retention, recent middle-ear or eye surgery with gas, pneumothorax, or bowel obstruction (air-space conditions)

• Regular/recreational nitrous use, or bleomycin history (we’ll review oxygen use)

  We’ll discuss alternatives or modify the plan if any apply.

▶ What are the “B12 issues” I’ve heard about?

Nitrous can inactivate vitamin B12 temporarily. This is rarely clinically significant with brief dental use, but people who already have B12 deficiency are higher risk for neurologic or blood problems. We screen and can choose alternatives if needed.

▶ Can I nurse after nitrous?

Yes—nitrous clears rapidly. You can typically resume breastfeeding right away after you feel back to normal.

▶ Can I have alcohol or take sedatives the same day?

Avoid alcohol, recreational drugs, and sedative medications the rest of the day unless your doctor says otherwise.

▶ I’m stuffed up—will nitrous still work?

Probably not well. Because it’s inhaled through the nose, nasal blockage reduces effectiveness. We’ll adjust the plan if you’re congested.

▶ Will I be in control?

Yes. You remain conscious, can breathe on your own, and can ask us to change or stop nitrous at any time.

▶ What if I feel claustrophobic with the mask?

Tell us. We have smaller/lighter masks, can take short breaks, or switch to other comfort options.

▶ Do I need someone to stay with me after?

Not usually. Once you feel normal, you can return to typical activities. Avoid anything requiring quick reflexes or judgment until you feel fully back to baseline.

▶ When should I call the office?

If you have persistent vomiting, severe headache/dizziness that doesn’t improve with rest and fluids, allergic-type symptoms (hives, wheeze, swelling), or lingering numbness/weakness beyond 24 hours. For trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911.

We’re here for you. If you’re unsure about anything—call us. If you ever experience trouble breathing, rapidly spreading swelling, or difficulty swallowing, call 911 or go to the ER.

How to reach us

Prime Emergency Dental

(425) 864-7600