Which of the following can relieve anxiety during dental procedures?

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as "laughing gas," is an effective anxiolytic agent used in dentistry to relieve anxiety during procedures. When inhaled, it induces a state of relaxation and euphoria without altering consciousness significantly. This makes it particularly beneficial for patients who experience fear or stress at the dentist. The effects of nitrous oxide can be quickly reversed by simply providing the patient with oxygen, making it a safe and controllable option for anxiety management.

Local anesthesia focuses primarily on numbing the area being treated, and while it can alleviate discomfort, it does not address emotional anxiety associated with dental procedures. General anesthesia involves a more profound level of sedation that puts the patient into a state of controlled unconsciousness, which is typically reserved for more invasive surgeries and can involve greater risks and complications. Oral sedation uses medication to help relax the patient, but it may take longer to achieve the desired effect and can vary in effectiveness depending on the individual’s response to the medication. Nitrous oxide provides a more immediate and easily manageable solution specifically for minimizing anxiety during dental visits.