Dental anxiety is real and common, and there's no reason to white-knuckle your way through an appointment. Nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas, is the gentlest way to take the edge off.
You breathe a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a small nosepiece during treatment. It brings on a light, calm, slightly floaty feeling within minutes, and because it clears from your system almost as quickly once the mask comes off, everyone is able to drive themselves home afterward. It's an easy option for anyone who feels nervous in the chair, or who just wants a more relaxed visit.
One note: nitrous isn't suitable for anyone who is pregnant or who has the MTHFR gene mutation.