- 4771 ROUTE 71, OSWEGO, IL 60543
- (630) 554-8600
Nitrous Oxide
When presented with something we didn’t want to do in the past, some of us may have said “I’d rather go to the dentist,” meaning dental care treatment was the only thing less desirable.
While the old adage remains mainly in the past, a reason why some may have been nervous about dental care treatment was the prospect of pain that came with it.
The current truth is that dental care is much more comfortable than it once was. At Oswego Dental Group, that includes the safe, effective use of nitrous oxide for analgesia (the lessening or absence of pain).
What Is Nitrous Oxide?
Also referred to as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a colorless, faintly sweet-smelling, non-flammable compound used as a mild, short-acting sedative for certain dental procedures.
It provides sedation by slowing the nervous system to induce a sense of relaxed euphoria. In doing so, it helps to alleviate factors that might interfere with a relaxed dental procedure.
Nitrous Oxide Effects
Mixed with oxygen, nitrous oxide takes effect within minutes of administration and does not put the patient to sleep. The patient will often feel happy, calm and a bit light-headed. Some might also experience some tingling in the arms and legs or a feeling of being heavier in the chair.
Because nitrous oxide lessens pain sensitivity but does induce sleep, patients can still often hear and respond to the dentist’s instructions or questions.
Administering Nitrous Oxide
The American Dental Association points out that at least 12 delivery system audio and safety features have been developed to further enhance the safe and effective administration of the nitrous oxide and oxygen mix.
If you are scheduled for dental care treatment that might benefit from pain relief with nitrous oxide, your Oswego Dental Group dental hygienist will first discuss it with you and answer any question you might have.
If you would like nitrous oxide to be included with your dental care treatment, you’ll provide your consent to receive it.
When it’s time for the procedure, your dental hygienist will place a small plastic mask over the nose. (If a child will be receiving nitrous oxide for dental care treatment, a familiar scent might be added to help them get used to having the nose mask on.)
Next, the hygienist will open a tank valve to allow the nitrous oxide and oxygen to flow for you to breathe. The gas can be adjusted according to how you are feeling the desired effects.
Nitrous Oxide: During & After Procedure
The gas will continue to flow as your Oswego Dental Group dentist performs your procedure. Depending on the care you’re receiving, a local anesthetic might also be used, as nitrous oxide lowers but doesn’t eliminate pain.
Once your procedure is finished, the nitrous oxide will be turned off. You’ll be asked to breathe pure oxygen through the mask until you feel alert again. Nitrous oxide will often wear off almost as swiftly as it takes effect.
When you do feel alert, the mask will be removed. We’ll have you wait for a period to ensure the effects have sufficiently cleared for you to go home. In most cases, patients who receive nitrous oxide can drive themselves home after the waiting period.
You can typically return to normal activities after leaving your Oswego Dental Group appointment. You can eat and drink immediately after as well.
Patients who receive a local anesthetic in addition to nitrous oxide might prefer to wait a bit longer for the numbness to wear off before they eat and drink.
Some patients may also choose to start eating and drinking with something light and then work up to more-substantial food during the first several hours after the dental visit.
Nitrous Oxide: Whom Is It For?
Nitrous oxide can be a helpful component in dental care treatment for individuals who:
feel fearful or anxious about going to the dentist
have a sensitive gag reflex that can interfere with dental care
have very sensitive teeth
tend to respond less to local anesthesia
have difficulty controlling movements
have special needs (physical, cognitive or behavioral)
are younger in age and must undergo a longer dental procedure
Nitrous Oxide & Dental Care Treatment: Contact Us Today
If you would like to learn more about how we use nitrous oxide for dental care treatment, or if you would like to schedule a dental appointment, call us at (630) 554-8600 or complete our contact form.
Nitrous Oxide: Quick Facts
The gas was discovered in 1772 by the English chemist Joseph Priestley, an Enlightenment thinker and a contemporary of Benjamin Franklin.
During the 1770s, gases were often referred to as “airs.”
Priestley discovered the gas while living next to a brewery, which offered a nearly unlimited supply of carbon dioxide bubbling from the fermentation tanks. He used a pneumatic trough to isolate and identify eight gases, one of which would later be named nitrous oxide.
Another English chemist, Humphry Davy, who investigated gases as curative therapies, later wrote about nitrous oxide, including mention of its potential effects for pain management.
In the mid-1800s, American dentist Horace Wells began experimenting with nitrous oxide as a dental anesthetic.
What Our Patients Say
Amazing staff who all do a stellar job
- Mike C 05/16/2024What Our Patients Say
The office, hygienists and dentists are all fantastic. Always a pleasant experience. Everyone is friendly and makes you feel welcomed and comfortable.
- Loreta S 05/15/2024What Our Patients Say
Staff are so pleasant and are able to put you at ease. I had X-rays and that also went very smoothly.
- Jaye T 05/08/2024What Our Patients Say
I used to not be a fan of going to the dentist…was just a necessary evil that I knew had to be done. Not the case here. Everyone we’ve dealt with has been great. Highly recommend them.
- Rob P 04/16/2024What Our Patients Say
Dr Milazzo is fabulous! I was in the chair for two hours and he is soo excellent and gentle but precise I almost fell asleep! His coworkers that assist him are just as awesome!
- Peggy L 03/13/2024What Our Patients Say
I had my teeth cleaned, xrays, and checked. They did a thorough job and I was very happy with the experience. I would recommend Oswego Dental Group.
- Carla H 03/27/2024What Our Patients Say
I used to not be a fan of going to the dentist…was just a necessary evil that I knew had to be done. Not the case here. Everyone we’ve dealt with has been great. Highly recommend them.
- Rob P 03/18/2024What Our Patients Say
Dr Milazzo is fabulous! I was in the chair for two hours and he is soo excellent and gentle but precise I almost fell asleep! His coworkers that assist him are just as awesome!
- Peggy L 03/18/2024What Our Patients Say
Great care as always. A little nervous about a procedure – but Dr. MacDonald and his assistant were great!
- Jim C 02/02/2024What Our Patients Say
This is a wonderful dental office, I have been going here for years. Pam is amazing. Dentists are great. I would highly recommend!
- Leslie E 01/16/2024What Our Patients Say
For the past twenty (20) years, the Oswego Dental Group has been my go to for all dental treatment needs. I have found that they consistently improve by providing excellent treatment using the most up-to-date practice tools and technologies. Additionally, the Staff from the front office to technicians are the best with a special shout-out to Pam.
- Roger B 01/09/2024What Our Patients Say
Dr. Milazzo and his staff were very attentive to my situation and were willing to make time for me the day I called. I would highly recommend Oswego Dental Group.
- Gail KWhat Our Patients Say
Our family needed to find a new dentist since ours retired. We were going to him for over 35 years so picking a new office was a little nerve racking. From the very beginning the office made us feel very welcome. My children were very nervous at first but the moment the hygienists called their names the nerves faded since they were both very warm, friendly and caring. They were even comfortable enough to go by themselves.
I also had Amy for my appointment the next week and she was excellent. Also, Dr. Milazzo was great as well. I highly recommend Oswego Dental Group!
What Our Patients Say
Dr. MacDonald is very personable and offers all treatment options! He makes dental visits less stressful! I highly recommend him!
- Eileen O 12/26/2023What Our Patients Say
My appointments always run smoothly. With their help, my teeth have been in great shape. Have been going there for more than 20 years.
- Sharlene MWhat Our Patients Say
Thanks Pam. Always does an outstanding job. Pam is very friendly and makes it a great experience. My teeth look great.
- Steve O 12/13/2023What Our Patients Say
From the start to finish true professionals, Dr.Milazzo explained every step, he made you feel at ease during the procedure.
- Christopher A 09/06/2023What Our Patients Say
Another great experience at Oswego Dental! Sally and Dr. MacDonald are amazing!
- Tina DWhat Our Patients Say
Always have the utmost faith in Dr. Milazzo’s dental skills and his staff is always so friendly and professional.
- Nancy H 08/22/2023What Our Patients Say
Jen is amazing, very informative and always makes myself feel comfortable and relaxed during my visit. Dr. Macdonald is very efficient as well. Highly recommend Oswego Dental group.
- Marissa MWhat Our Patients Say
Always very professional and friendly. Been coming here 30 years — the best!
- Cheryl J 09/05/2023What Our Patients Say
I’m grateful and thankful, everything was fine. Service was great, I had issue with my tooth and now I feel perfect. Thanks to doctor Tony 🙏
- Tina K 05/24/2023What Our Patients Say
Dr. Milazzo was amazing with my 7 year old daughter. She got her first filling done and I loved that he spoke to HER (as the patient) and not just me. He showed her what everything did and sounded like before he started. He also explained what everything was that was going in her mouth. I was very impressed with how everything went! The dental hygienists are also amazing!
- Lindsay C 06/13/2023What Our Patients Say
Absolutely fantastic from Theresa, to Liseldy upfront!
To the amazing Ann and Dr Milazzo!
Highly recommend you make these folks at Oswego Dental, on route 71, your go to for all dentistry!
- Christopher C. 01/18/2023What Our Patients Say
I’ve been going to Oswego Dental for 20+ years. Not your typical Dentist Office that you dread to go to. Warm and welcoming with a great staff! Amy, Pam and Sally are the best!
- Bryan C 01/26/2023What Our Patients Say
Very happy with my care at this office. I have not had a hygienist or dentist at this office that hasn’t treated me very compassionately and professionally. Have been a patient here over 30 years!
- Tom B. 07/13/2022What Our Patients Say
Teeth look amazing!!! I would highly recommend Oswego Dental Group if you are looking to have work done!
- David L. 05/23/2022What Our Patients Say
Super friendly and very professional. My whole family have been patients there for many years. Wouldn’t think of going anywhere else.
- Kevin O. 04/15/2022What Our Patients Say
I have been going to Oswego Dental Group for years. They are excellent. Pam has been my hygienist and she is thorough, extremely professional and very kind. My family and I highly recommend this dental office.
- Wendy K. 04/11/2022What Our Patients Say
Another great experience from the Oswego Dental Group! Jen took great care of my teeth, they have never looked so white! Everyone was super friendly and made sure I was comfortable through my whole visit. See you in 6 months!
- Collin M. 03/02/2022What Our Patients Say
Our family has been seen by this practice for many years. Always professional and thorough. They have taken great care of us! Highly recommend!
- Susan R. 01/25/2022What Our Patients Say
Dr. Milazzo and Dr. MacDonald are awesome!! So glad I found them after I moved to their area. They are the best. Pam cleans my teeth and she is wonderful, painless too! They take very good care of my teeth! If you are looking for a new Dentist and a good office, then this place is for you!
- Marion G. 06/24/2021What Our Patients Say
Dr Milazzo, Sally and the whole staff are the best. THE BEST. I was a mess and had been in pain for a long time before finally finding Dr. Milazzo. I spent a lot of time and a lot of money going to another dentist that just kept making everything worse…I was literally living on protien drinks because it hurt too much to chew. It took a little time (I needed a lot of work done) but Dr Milazzo fixed everything and I can finally eat again. I’m forever grateful for Oswego Dental Group and would without hesitation recommend them.
- Sonya 05/25/2021What Our Patients Say
Great experience! Amy did a great job cleaning my teeth and Dr. MacDonald was also professional and very thorough and helped me understand what treatment options were available to me. I highly recommend this dental practice!
- Kristina L. 02/23/2021What Our Patients Say
Oswego Dental Group has a staff of kind and caring hygienists and the entire staff does a great job of keeping the entire office clean and safe for people coming in as well as for themselves.
- Karen A. 12/28/2020What Our Patients Say
Dr. Milazzo’s dental office is fabulous!!! Very patient friendly!! Sally my dental hygienist is awesome!! Very personable, thorough and gentle!! I love the way you feel after a cleaning! I would not go anywhere else!!
- Cheryl K. 09/22/2020What Our Patients Say
I have been a dental patient at the Oswego Dental Group for nearly 15 years and have always been very happy with the care that I have received. Dr MacDonald and all of the hygienists I have ever had are fantastic people and do a great job on my teeth! Love coming here!
- Susan E. 08/18/2020What Our Patients Say
Very friendly staff and professional. Always a great experience.
- Kristine F. 04/09/2020What Our Patients Say
Always a great experience.
- John S. 02/09/2020What Our Patients Say
I love going to my dentist! For 13 years I have never been disappointed and I greatly appreciate how personable and kind the Hygenists have always been! Today my visit was with Pam. I appreciate the time she took to ask how My family and I were going. Dr, MacDonald also took the time to explain a small upcoming procedure I would be having and in doing so put my doubts at ease! Thank you!!!!
- Jeanne P. 02/08/2020What Our Patients Say
Best dentist experience. Everyone from the receptionist to Dr Milazzo and Dr Macdonald are very friendly. Pam is an amazing dental hygienist. She is absolutely fantastic. Extremely thorough and friendly. I’m sure everyone is great as well but I’ve only had the pleasure of having my teeth cleaned by Pam and have no need to search elsewhere. Thanks everyone at Oswego Dental Group for making my dental visit a good one.
- Ryan I. 08/17/2019