For many, nitrous oxide (happy gas) helps you relax and eases anxiety to the point of making people feel like laughing. Most patients get the feeling that they are “floating” on the chair. You simply don’t care that you’re at the dentist. Some people find nitrous oxide makes the difference between an intolerable and a pleasant experience at the dentist. It can be used for any dental procedure, from root canals and cleanings to a simple consultation with a very anxious patient.