In late 2025, Spanish dental clinics are increasingly adopting conscious inhalation sedation, commonly referred to as "laughing gas," to manage patient anxiety and enhance procedural cooperation. This technique involves the administration of a controlled mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen, which induces a state of relaxation and mild analgesia while allowing the patient to remain fully conscious and responsive to verbal cues. In Spain, this method is especially favored in pediatric dentistry and for patients with mild to moderate odontophobia, as the effects are rapid and dissipate almost immediately once the gas flow is stopped. The Spain Dental Anesthesia Sector highlights that modern delivery systems now include digital flowmeters to ensure precise dosing, making it a safe and highly flexible option for a wide range of routine dental interventions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I drive home after receiving nitrous oxide sedation? A. Yes, because the gas is eliminated from your system very quickly after you stop breathing it, you are typically able to drive yourself home after the procedure.

Q. Is "laughing gas" safe for children? A. It is considered one of the safest forms of sedation for children in Spain, provided it is administered by trained professionals with proper monitoring.