Gentle Dental Sedation for Nervous Patients in Brisbane
Feel calm, comfortable, and completely at ease during your dental treatment with our safe and effective nitrous oxide sedation.
We understand that visiting the dentist can feel overwhelming. Whether it's been years since your last appointment or you've always felt anxious in the dental chair, you're not alone—and you're in the right place. At Swish Dental, we've helped hundreds of nervous patients just like you receive the dental care they need, without the stress.
What Is Dental Sedation?
Dental sedation uses safe, proven techniques to help you feel relaxed and comfortable during your dental treatment. At Swish Dental, we offer nitrous oxide sedation—commonly known as happy gas or laughing gas—to help nervous patients overcome their dental anxiety.
Unlike general anaesthesia, you remain awake and responsive throughout your treatment. You'll simply feel deeply relaxed, calm, and perhaps even a little floaty. Many patients describe it as feeling like their worries have simply melted away.
The best part? The effects wear off within minutes after your treatment, so you can get back to your day without any lingering drowsiness.
Who Can Benefit from Dental Sedation?
Nitrous oxide sedation at Swish Dental is perfect for patients who:
- Feel anxious or fearful about dental visits
- Have had negative dental experiences in the past
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Need multiple treatments completed in one visit
- Find it difficult to sit still for extended periods
- Feel uncomfortable with dental sounds, smells, or sensations
- Have been avoiding the dentist due to fear
You deserve dental care that doesn't cause you stress. Our compassionate team has extensive experience working with anxious patients, and we'll take all the time you need to ensure you feel safe and supported.
Why Choose Nitrous Oxide (Happy Gas)?
Happy gas has been used safely in dentistry for over 150 years, and it remains one of the most popular sedation options for good reason:
Safe and gentle
Nitrous oxide is one of the safest sedation methods available. It's suitable for most patients, including children and those with certain health conditions.
Fast-acting relief
You'll begin to feel relaxed within just a few breaths. There's no waiting around for medication to take effect.
You stay in control
Unlike deeper forms of sedation, you remain conscious and can communicate with your dentist throughout your treatment.
Quick recovery
The effects disappear within minutes once the gas is turned off. Most patients can drive themselves home and continue their normal activities straight away.
Adjustable levels
Your dentist can easily adjust the level of sedation throughout your treatment to ensure you remain comfortable.
No needles required
If injections make you nervous, you'll be pleased to know that happy gas is administered simply by breathing through a small, comfortable nose piece.
What to Expect During Your Sedation Appointment
Before Your Visit
When you book a sedation consultation at Swish Dental, we'll first discuss your concerns, medical history, and what makes you feel anxious about dental treatment. This helps us create a personalised care plan that addresses your specific needs.
We recommend eating a light meal a few hours before your appointment—avoid heavy or fatty foods. Let us know about any medications you're taking or health conditions you have.
During Your Treatment
- Getting comfortable – You'll be seated in a comfortable dental chair, and our friendly team will explain everything that's about to happen.
- Starting the happy gas – A small nose piece is placed gently over your nose. You'll breathe normally, and within 2-3 minutes, you'll start to feel a pleasant sense of calm wash over you.
- Your treatment begins – Once you're feeling relaxed, your dentist will begin your treatment. You'll remain awake and able to respond, but you'll feel calm and comfortable throughout.
- Recovery – When your treatment is complete, we'll switch you back to regular oxygen for a few minutes. The effects of the nitrous oxide will wear off quickly, leaving you feeling normal again.
After Your Appointment
One of the biggest advantages of nitrous oxide sedation is the rapid recovery time. Most patients feel completely back to normal within 15-20 minutes and can:
- Drive themselves home
- Return to work or school
- Eat and drink normally
- Resume all regular activities
Our Caring Approach to Nervous Patients
At Swish Dental, we believe that everyone deserves access to quality dental care—regardless of how anxious they feel. Our team receives ongoing training in caring for nervous patients, and we take pride in creating a warm, welcoming environment where you can feel at ease.
We'll never rush you. We understand that building trust takes time, especially if you've had difficult experiences in the past.
We'll always explain what we're doing. Knowledge is power, and many patients find that understanding each step helps reduce their anxiety.
We'll listen to your concerns. Your comfort matters to us. If you need a break or want to stop at any point, just raise your hand.
We celebrate your progress. Every visit is a step forward, and we're here to support you on your journey to better oral health.
Dental Sedation at Our Brisbane Locations
We offer nitrous oxide sedation at both of our conveniently located Brisbane dental practices:
Swish Dental Everton Park
📍 538 South Pine Road, Everton Park | 07 3355 1422
Book Your Sedation Consultation – Everton Park
Swish Dental Mitchelton
📍 Suite 1/17 Blackwood Street, Mitchelton | 07 3354 3341
Book Your Sedation Consultation – Mitchelton
Both practices are easily accessible with ample parking available. We serve patients from across Brisbane's northside, including Stafford, Kedron, Chermside, The Gap, Ashgrove, Alderley, and surrounding suburbs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Sedation
What is happy gas, and how does it work?
Happy gas, also known as nitrous oxide or laughing gas, is a colourless, odourless gas mixed with oxygen that you breathe through a small nose piece. It works by slowing down your nervous system, creating feelings of calm and relaxation. You remain fully conscious but feel pleasantly detached from any anxiety or discomfort.
Is nitrous oxide sedation safe?
Yes, nitrous oxide is one of the safest sedation options available in dentistry. It has been used for over 150 years and has an excellent safety record. The gas is carefully monitored throughout your treatment, and because it leaves your system quickly, there are minimal side effects.
Will I be asleep during my dental treatment?
No, you won't be asleep. Nitrous oxide creates a state of deep relaxation while keeping you conscious and able to respond to your dentist. You'll be aware of what's happening but will feel calm and comfortable. Many patients say time seems to pass quickly and they feel pleasantly detached from the procedure.
How long does it take for happy gas to work?
Nitrous oxide works very quickly—most patients begin feeling relaxed within 2-3 minutes of breathing the gas. Your dentist will wait until you're feeling comfortable before beginning any treatment.
How long do the effects of nitrous oxide last?
The effects of nitrous oxide wear off very quickly—usually within 5-10 minutes after the gas is stopped. You'll breathe pure oxygen for a few minutes to clear the nitrous oxide from your system, and then you'll feel completely normal.
Can I drive after having happy gas?
Yes, in most cases you can drive yourself home after nitrous oxide sedation. Because the gas clears your system so quickly, you won't experience any lingering drowsiness or impairment. However, if you feel uncertain, we're happy to have you rest in our comfortable waiting area until you feel ready.
Is dental sedation suitable for children?
Yes, nitrous oxide is considered very safe for children and is commonly used in paediatric dentistry. It can be especially helpful for children who feel anxious about dental visits or have difficulty sitting still. Our team has extensive experience helping young patients feel comfortable and relaxed.
How much does dental sedation cost?
The cost of nitrous oxide sedation varies depending on the length of your treatment. We'll provide you with a clear quote during your consultation so there are no surprises. We also offer flexible payment plans to help make your dental care more affordable.
Do I need a referral for sedation dentistry?
No, you don't need a referral. Simply call us or book online to schedule a sedation consultation. During this appointment, we'll discuss your concerns, assess your suitability for sedation, and create a personalised treatment plan.
What if I have a medical condition—can I still have happy gas?
Nitrous oxide is safe for most patients, including those with many common health conditions. However, there are some circumstances where it may not be suitable—such as if you have certain respiratory conditions or are in the first trimester of pregnancy. We'll review your medical history during your consultation to ensure sedation is right for you.
Will dental sedation stop me feeling any pain?
Nitrous oxide helps you feel relaxed and reduces anxiety, but it's not a painkiller. Your dentist will still use local anaesthetic to numb the treatment area. The combination of happy gas and local anaesthetic means you'll feel comfortable and pain-free throughout your procedure.
I've avoided the dentist for years because of fear—can you still help me?
Absolutely. We regularly help patients who haven't visited a dentist in many years due to dental anxiety. There's no judgement here—only compassionate, understanding care. We'll take things at your pace and work with you to rebuild your confidence and restore your oral health.
What dental treatments can be done with nitrous oxide sedation?
Happy gas can be used for virtually any dental treatment, including:
- Dental check-ups and cleans
- Fillings
- Root canal treatment
- Tooth extractions
- Wisdom teeth removal
- Dental crowns and bridges
- Cosmetic procedures
About Us
Everton Park
Call Everton Park on (07) 3355 1422
Mitchelton
Call Mitchelton on (07) 3354 3341