Laughing Gas/Nitrous Oxide Procedure

Many children are calm, comfortable, and confident in a pediatric dental office. Because pediatric dentists specialize in treating children; they make children feel special. Our office is especially designed for children. Our staff members choose to work in a pediatric office because they like children.

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 (laughing gas) is a safe, effective technique to calm a child’s fear of the dental visit.

Laughing Gas Dental Procedure—Q&A; for Patients

Q. What is nitrous oxide/oxygen (laughing gas)?
A. Nitrous oxide/oxygen (laughing gas) 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.

Q. How will my child feel when breathing nitrous oxide/oxygen (laughing gas)?
A. 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 (laughing gas).

Q. How safe is nitrous oxide/oxygen (laughing gas)?
A. Very safe. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is perhaps the safest sedative in dentistry. It is non addictive. It is mild, easily taken and then quickly eliminated by the body. Your child remains fully conscious, keeps all natural reflexes, when breathing nitrous oxide/oxygen (laughing gas).

Q. Are there any special instructions for nitrous oxide/oxygen (laughing gas)?
A. First, your child should come into the office with an empty stomach, no food or drink for 3 (three) hours prior to the appointment. (Occasionally; nausea or vomiting occurs when a child has a full stomach). Second, tell us about any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult for your child. It may limit the effectiveness of nitrous oxide/oxygen (laughing gas). Third, tell us if your child is taking any medications on the day of the appointment.

Q. Will nitrous oxide/oxygen (laughing gas) work for all children?
A. We know that all children are not alike! Every service is tailored to your child as an individual. Nitrous oxide/oxygen (laughing gas) is not effective for some children, especially those who have severe anxiety; nasal congestion, extensive treatment needs, or discomfort wearing a mask. Our dentists have comprehensive specialty training and can offer other sedation methods that are right for your child.