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Sedation
Relaxed care, gently delivered
Inhalation Sedation
Inhalation sedation — often known as laughing gas or nitrous oxide — is the gentlest, fastest-acting sedation option available in dentistry. A small soft mask delivers a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen; within 2–3 minutes, you feel calm, relaxed and slightly floaty. Treatment continues normally — you’re fully conscious and able to respond. At the end, the mask switches to pure oxygen, and effects wear off within 5–10 minutes. No grogginess. No escort needed. Straight back to normal.
For patients with mild to moderate dental anxiety, inhalation sedation is transformative. It takes the edge off without the heaviness of oral or IV sedation, making even nervous patients comfortable enough to get essential treatment done. In our calm Leeds city centre clinic, with genuinely kind clinicians who understand dental anxiety, it’s often the missing piece that finally makes dental care possible.
What is inhalation sedation?
Inhalation sedation uses a carefully-controlled mixture of nitrous oxide (30–50%) and oxygen, delivered through a small soft nose mask. It works by calming the central nervous system and reducing anxiety, without putting you to sleep. You remain fully conscious throughout, able to respond to requests and hold a conversation — you just feel considerably more relaxed.
The sedation level can be adjusted throughout the appointment, increased for more challenging moments and decreased for routine parts. At the end, pure oxygen is given for 3–5 minutes, clearing the nitrous oxide completely. You can drive home and resume normal activity immediately.
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Features and benefits
Feel relaxed within 2–3 minutes of starting. Effects clear within 5–10 minutes of the mask coming off. No recovery period. No escort needed. No impact on the rest of your day.
Unlike IV sedation, you’re not drowsy or deeply sedated. You’re fully conscious, able to respond, aware of what’s happening — just calmer about it. Many patients appreciate this level of awareness.
Perfect for patients who find dental treatment stressful but don’t need the deeper sedation of IV or oral options. Takes the edge off beautifully for most nervous patients.
The Clarendon's Difference
Not everyone with dental anxiety needs deep sedation. Many patients just need something to take the edge off — enough to stay calm and comfortable through a filling, hygiene visit or extraction. Inhalation sedation delivers exactly that: gentle, adjustable, immediately reversible. At Clarendons, we offer it for any treatment where it helps, not just for ‘difficult’ cases. The difference it makes for nervous patients is transformative.
Our award-winning clinic in Leeds city centre specialises in caring for nervous patients. Genuinely compassionate team. Calm environment. Slow, patient communication. No judgement about anxiety or previous avoidance of dental care. Inhalation sedation is one of several tools we use to help you get the treatment you need without the fear. Combined with careful clinical skill and kind approach, it’s often all that’s needed.
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THE BRAND PATIENTS TRUST
How much does inhalation sedation cost?
Inhalation sedation is the most affordable sedation option — typically priced as an add-on to whatever dental treatment you’re having. The cost reflects the use of gas throughout the appointment. Many patients find the additional cost more than worthwhile for the comfort it provides. At your consultation we’ll explain the pricing for your specific treatment plan.
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