What is happy air?
Happy air is a special mixture of normal air and happy air that we breathe through our nose to help us feel comfortable and relaxed during dental treatment.
We sometimes use this for patients that may feel a little worried about treatment as it makes you feel calm and comfortable.
How will it make me feel?
The happy air can give you a tingly feeling in your fingers and your toes.
Sometimes you can feel floaty and light! Try and let your body go very floppy and relax into the chair - just like when you are going to sleep...
What can I do to prepare?
You should practice doing nice deep sniffs in and out using your nose!
Try doing some breathing in and out of your nose with your mouth closed and then open - its tricky! This will help you prepare for trying the happy air. Before your appointment have a light meal.
What will happen in the appointment?
You will meet the dentist and nurse that will be treating you and they will explain the plan for appointment. You will lie in the dental chair, and a small bobble that carries the happy air will be placed on your nose. This can look like whiskers/a deep sea diver/or an air-force pilot when you’re wearing it! The dentist will give you fresh air to breathe at first, and then add happy air, a little bit at a time until you start feeling it working.
You may want to think about being in a place where you feel relaxed, like at the beach or in your bed! When you feel nice and comfortable we will start the treatment planned and talk to you about how it feels and what to expect.
When the treatment is finished you’ll be given lots of fresh air through your nose bobble don’t forget to use your nose to do deep breaths in and out!
What if I need to talk?
You will be awake at all times and can talk to the dentist and nurse if you need to.
If you need a rest during your treatment, just raise your hand or speak up and the dentist will stop straight away.
What will happen afterwards?
The happy air wears off very quickly, and you will soon feel back to normal.
For the rest of the day you should not take part in activities such as riding a bicycle, swimming, playing on swings or climbing frames.
Sometimes people like to have a nap - just like their teeth!
Pendleton Gateway
1 Broadwalk, Salford, M6 5FX
0161 206 1513
Eccles Gateway
28 Barton Lane, Eccles, M30 0TU
0161 206 1699
Walkden Gateway
2 Smith Street, Worsley, M28 3EZ
0161 206 1634
Date of Review: November 2023
Date of Next Review: November 2025
Ref No: PI_C_1544 (Salford)