Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” is a mild sedative used in pediatric dentistry to help anxious children feel at ease during dental visits.
It is a colorless and odorless gas that is inhaled through a small breathing mask. This form of sedation helps pediatric patients relax without causing deep sleep. With this level of sedation they remain awake, conscious and responsive throughout the entire procedure.
Key Takeaway
Nitrous oxide sedation in pediatric dentistry offers a safe and effective way to ease dental anxiety in children, ensuring a calm and positive experience during dental procedures.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation Work?
A mask is placed over the nose, delivering a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide gas.
Within minutes, the patient feels relaxed and calm, while still fully awake and able to communicate. The nitrous oxide gas has a quick onset and wears off once the mask is removed.
Benefits of Nitrous Oxide Sedation
- Reduced anxiety: Helps calm anxious children, making dental visits less stressful.
- Improved cooperation: Allows pediatric dentists to perform procedures more efficiently.
- Safe and non-invasive: Considered one of the safest types of sedation with minimal side effects.
- Quick recovery: Children can resume normal activities shortly after their appointment.
When Is Nitrous Oxide Sedation Recommended?
Nitrous oxide sedation is a helpful option in many dental care scenarios, such as:
- Routine cleanings: If a child has sensitive teeth or gums or has extreme anxiety or fear, nitrous oxide may be recommended. Nitrous oxide helps alleviate pain and the child will be relaxed throughout the procedure.
- Longer procedures: Dental fillings, dental crowns and tooth extractions are more lengthy procedures that require cooperation from the patient. Nitrous oxide will help them to stay still and feel relaxed throughout the procedure.
- Dental anxiety: Dental anxiety can make it challenging to perform any procedure. Nitrous oxide will help calm the patient so that the necessary procedures can be performed without causing undue stress.
Did You Know?
Nitrous oxide sedation has been safely used in pediatric dentistry for decades, offering a gentle way to ease dental anxiety in children. It’s a proven method that allows your child to have a comfortable and stress-free dental experience.
Safety of Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide sedation is one of the safest sedation methods available for children, backed by decades of use in pediatric dentistry.
Research shows that nitrous oxide is highly effective and has an excellent safety record when administered by trained professionals. In fact, studies estimate that the risk of complications is extremely low, occurring in less than 0.1% of cases.1 2
At Akoya Pediatric Dentistry, we prioritize your child’s well-being during every step of the process. We carefully review their medical history beforehand to confirm that nitrous oxide is the best option for them. During the procedure, we monitor your child to ensure they remain safe and comfortable.
This comprehensive approach allows us to deliver safe, reliable care that parents can trust.
How to Prepare Your Child For a Dental Procedure With Nitrous Oxide
The best way to prepare your child is to keep things simple and positive. Here’s how you can help:
- Explain the experience: Let your child know that they will lie back in a comfy dental chair and watch a movie on the ceiling. They’ll wear a small mask over their nose for “laughing gas” that helps them feel calm and relaxed. Reassure them that the dentist will gently care for their teeth, making everything easy and pain-free.
- Comfortable clothing: Dress your child in loose, cozy clothing to help them feel at ease during their visit.
- Bring comfort items: Bringing along a favorite stuffed animal or blanket can provide extra comfort and help your child feel more secure during their visit.
- Follow eating guidelines: Be sure to follow any specific instructions we provide about eating or drinking before the appointment.
These steps can help your child feel calm and ready, setting the stage for a positive dental experience.
What to Expect After the Appointment
Unlike deeper sedation methods, nitrous oxide sedation wears off very quickly. Most children can return to their normal activities soon after their dental visit, some children feel tired and sleepy afterwards. Any lingering effects typically fade within minutes, leaving children with a positive impression of their dental care experience.
Why Choose Akoya Pediatric Dentistry for Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
At Akoya Pediatric Dentistry, your child’s comfort and oral health are always our top priorities. We take a gentle and personalized approach to dental sedation, ensuring your child feels safe and relaxed during every visit.
Whether it’s a simple cleaning or a more involved procedure, we will make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
We looked forward to meeting you!
Book an Appointment Today!
Akoya Pediatric Dentistry is always accepting new patients! We are conveniently located in the Coquina Plaza just off Sheridan Street in Southwest Ranches, FL, we are proud to serve families in our community and help children maintain healthy, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Southwest Ranches, FL, call (954) 799-6212. Akoya Pediatric Dentistry proudly serves patients from Broward County, including Southwest Ranches, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Weston, Miramar, Cooper City and Plantation.
FAQs About Nitrous Oxide Sedation
What is nitrous oxide sedation
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” is a mild sedative used to help children feel relaxed during dental procedures. It’s a combination of nitrogen and oxygen gases, blended to create a calming effect when inhaled through a small mask placed over the nose.
How does nitrous oxide help my child during dental visits?
Nitrous oxide helps reduce anxiety and discomfort, allowing children to remain calm and cooperative during dental treatments. It allows the dentist to perform procedures more effectively while ensuring your child’s comfort.
Is nitrous oxide ok for kids?
Yes, nitrous oxide is considered safe for children when administered by trained professionals. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) provides guidelines to ensure its safe and effective use.
How quickly does nitrous oxide work, and how long do the effects last?
Nitrous oxide takes effect within minutes, helping your child feel relaxed almost immediately. Once the mask is removed, the effects wear off quickly, allowing your child to return to normal activities shortly after the appointment.
Are there any side effects of nitrous oxide sedation?
Side effects are rare but may include mild nausea, dizziness, or feeling tired. These effects are temporary and typically subside once the gas is discontinued. Our team monitors your child throughout the procedure to ensure their well-being.
References
- Efficacy and safety of nitrous oxide in alleviating pain and anxiety during painful procedures. Kanagasundaram SA, Lane LJ, Cavalletto BP, et alEfficacy and safety of nitrous oxide in alleviating pain and anxiety during painful proceduresArchives of Disease in Childhood 2001;84:492-495. ↩︎
- Effectiveness and Safety of Elevated Dosages of Nitrous Oxide on Behavior Management in Pediatric Dentistry. Unkel John H, Alexander C Ian, Berry Elizabeth, Reinhartz Judy, Reinhartz Dennis. Effectiveness and Safety of Elevated Dosages of Nitrous Oxide on Behavior Management in Pediatric Dentistry. Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry. 2022. 46(1);58-61. ↩︎
