Inhalation Sedation at Cheadle Hulme Dental

10 August 2026

Inhalation Sedation at Cheadle Hulme Dental

Inhalation sedation at Cheadle Hulme Dental

As well as IV sedation, we offer inhalation sedation with nitrous oxide. This method of sedation is suitable for both children and adults. It is also often dubbed ‘laughing gas’ or ‘happy gas’, due to the euphoric effects it has on patients.

FAQs

What is inhalation sedation?

Nitrous oxide-based inhalation sedation can help unlock the confidence anxious and dental phobic patients need for undergoing dental treatment. It is a method of sedation administered through a nose mask and induces powerful feelings of wellbeing in patients.

What’s the difference between this and and IV (intravenous) sedation?

Whilst this type of sedation is administered using a mask, IV sedation involves administering sedation through a needle on the back of the hand, or in the arm.

Who is suitable for this type of sedation?

You may be suitable for inhalation sedation if you have minor or moderate levels of anxiety prior to a dental procedure. In cases where dental anxiety is severe, your dentist is more likely to recommend IV (intravenous) sedation using a Midazolam sedative.

Do you feel pain with it?

This method of sedation will induce a warm feeling of wellbeing and reduce inhibitions and nerves you might normally have when considering undergoing dental treatment. Your dentist will administer local anaesthetic to numb the treatment site once the sedation has taken full effect.

Which treatments can I have under this type of sedation?

This type of sedation is compatible alongside virtually any dental procedure. Some of the most common include:

• Fillings
• Extractions
• Root Canal Therapy

How will inhalation sedation benefit me?

• Reduces anxiety for the duration of a dental procedure.
• Feel more relaxed throughout a dental procedure.
• Needleless administration method.
• Minimal downtime.
• No lingering effect post-treatment (no grogginess or ‘hangover’ sensation).
• Reduces gag reflex in patients.

Can children have inhalation sedation?

We understand that there can be huge barriers for children when it comes to visiting the dentist for a procedure. Inhalation sedation is an excellent means of putting your child at ease and allows them to remain fully awake and responsive.

Our practice environment is calm and welcoming, and our dentists will always be respectful of your child’s limitations and boundaries. This, couple with inhalation sedation, can make a huge difference to your child’s future perspective on dentist visits as an adult. For this reason, we place significant emphasis on using formative years at the dentist to build your child’s confidence and trust in caring dental professionals such as ourselves here at Cheadle Hulme.

Are there any barriers?

As the nitrous oxide is administered through a mask, patients will need to be comfortable wearing breathing through a nose mask throughout their procedure. Therefore, inhalation sedation may not be suitable for patients who:

• Are not able or willing to breathe through their nose.
• May feel claustrophobic wearing a mask for more than a few minutes.
• Have recently undergone facial surgery.
• Suffer from respiratory conditions like COPD.

Watch our video to find out more.