Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Our practice is trained to help children feel comfortable when confronted with dental treatment. Many children are calm, comfortable, and confident in a pediatric dental office.

Sometimes, however, a child feels anxious during treatment. Your child may need more support than a gentle, caring manner to feel comfortable. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a safe, effective technique to calm a child’s fear of the dental visit.

What is nitrous oxide/oxygen?

Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a blend of two gases, oxygen, and nitrous oxide. When inhaled, it is absorbed by the body and has a calming effect. Normal breathing eliminates nitrous oxide/oxygen from the body.

How will my child feel when breathing nitrous oxide/oxygen?

Your child will smell a sweet, pleasant aroma and experience a sense of well-being and relaxation. If your child is worried by the sights, sounds, or sensations of dental treatment, he or she may respond more positively with the use of nitrous oxide/oxygen.

How safe is nitrous oxide/oxygen?

Nitrous oxide is very safe because it’s easy to take and mild. Nitrous oxide is not addictive. While inhaling nitrous oxide, your child remains fully conscience, keeps all natural reflexes, and aware of their surroundings. Nitrous oxide is eliminated from the body within 3 to 5 minutes after the nitrous oxide supply is stopped.

If the child has respiratory issues, such as asthma, Our doctors will determine if the child is a candidate for nitrous oxide.

Are there any special instructions for nitrous oxide/oxygen?

First, give your child little or no food before the dental visit. Occasionally, nausea or vomiting occurs when a child has a full stomach. Second, tell the doctor about any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult for your child. It may limit the effectiveness of nitrous oxide/oxygen. Third, tell the doctor if your child is taking any medication on the day of the appointment.

Will nitrous oxide/oxygen work for all children?

Our doctors know that all children are not alike! Every service is tailored to your child as an individual. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is not effective for some children, especially those who have severe anxiety, nasal congestion, extensive treatment needs, or discomfort wearing a nasal mask. Our practice has comprehensive specialty training and can offer other sedation methods that are right for your child.