American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes nitrous oxide as a very safe and one of the most effective ways of providing dental treatment to your child. It is more commonly known as “laughing gas”. Nitrous oxide is also beneficial in reducing pain and works well for children with severe gag reflexes that interferes with dental treatment.
Nitrous oxide/oxygen is given through a small breathing mask that fits over the child’s nose, allowing them to relax without putting them to sleep. While inhaling nitrous oxide/oxygen, your child remains fully conscious and maintains all their natural reflexes. Nitrous oxide is a mild gas and can be easily taken with normal breathing and is quickly eliminated from the body. It is non-addictive. It reduces fear and anxiety that your child may have about the appointment and thereby facilitate cooperation during dental treatment. After completion of dental treatment, gas is turned off and 100% administer oxygen is administered for 5 to 10 minutes to help clear out any remaining nitrous oxide. The effects wear off very rapidly and kids can resume normal activity immediately after the treatment. There are rarely any side effects with nitrous oxide, although some patients may experience minor nausea and constipation.
We choose to work in a pediatric dental setting because we love children. We recognize each child is different and would like to customize the delivery of dental care according to their needs.