A Calm and Medically Guided Way to Experience Dental Care
Conscious sedation with oxygen and nitrous oxide (O2–N2O) helps reduce anxiety, stress and discomfort during dental treatments. You remain awake and cooperative, but feel calmer and more comfortable.
At Relax And Smile in Milan, conscious sedation is used only after a proper clinical evaluation, with a safety-first approach.
What Conscious Sedation Is
Conscious sedation is based on the controlled inhalation of a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide. You stay conscious, responsive and able to communicate, while your emotional tension decreases and your tolerance to discomfort increases.
Nitrous oxide is not metabolized and is eliminated quickly after the procedure, which is why it is widely considered a very safe option when correctly indicated.
When It Can Help
Many dental procedures may not be described as “painful” by a clinician, but they can still be very uncomfortable for patients. In those cases, conscious sedation can make the experience much easier.
| Removing crowns or bridges |
| Placement of retraction cords for impressions |
| Taking dental impressions |
| Temporary or definitive cementation on vital teeth |
| Treatments on sensitive/vital teeth |
| Long clinical sessions |
| Periodontal curettage |
| Placement of matrices or wedges in restorative dentistry |
| Placement of copper rings |
| Placement of rubber dam clamps |
| Periodontal probing |
| Posterior dental X-rays |
| Ultrasonic scaling (tartar removal) |
Patients Who Benefit the Most
Some patient categories may benefit particularly from conscious sedation because it reduces stress and helps maintain stable physiological conditions during treatment.
| Cardiac patients: reducing anxiety and increasing oxygen supply can help minimize risks during dental care. |
| Epileptic patients: stress can be a trigger; sedation helps reduce anxiety and avoids low-oxygen states. |
| Hypertensive patients: strong emotions can cause sudden pressure peaks; sedation supports calmer sessions. |
| Patients with disabilities (when collaborative): sedation can reduce agitation and help treatment proceed safely. |
| Allergic patients: no known allergy to nitrous oxide is reported, making it among the safest options. |
Relative Contraindications (Areas of Attention)
Some conditions do not automatically exclude conscious sedation, but require careful evaluation and clinical judgment.
| Pregnancy: especially first trimester; in late pregnancy caution is required. If urgent care cannot be postponed, O2–N2O is often considered one of the least invasive options as it is not metabolized and is eliminated quickly. |
| Inability to breathe through the nose: severe cold, sinusitis, acute inflammation or anatomical limitations can prevent proper inhalation. |
| Severe conditions: acute bronchopulmonary disease, emphysema, multiple sclerosis, myasthenia, acute diaphragmatic hernia (clinical evaluation required). |
| Psychiatric patients on sedatives/tranquilizers: nitrous oxide may affect the emotional sphere and requires caution. |
| Substance abuse: nitrous oxide may potentiate effects of other substances. |
| Non-collaborative patients: the technique requires the ability to follow simple instructions and breathe through the nose. |
Absolute Contraindications
| ENT patients: avoid nitrous oxide in patients with surgically reconstructed eardrum (pressure changes may be risky). |
| Ophthalmic patients: avoid nitrous oxide after vitrectomy procedures where intraocular gas was used (risk of pressure increase). |
Book a Consultation
If you feel anxious about dental treatments or want to understand whether conscious sedation is appropriate for you, we can evaluate your case and explain the safest approach in a clear and calm way.
WhatsApp: +39 02 82860537