It’s normal for young patients to be a little frightened of dental visits, especially at first. While we attempt to try different behavior management techniques to help with anxiety, if these don’t work, our office is equipped with nitrous oxide for mild sedation. It can even be the safest way for more sensitive patients or those with special health care needs to get necessary treatment. As a pediatric practice, our dentists are trained in sedation and if you choose nitrous oxide for your child, we’ll make sure you feel comfortable, informed and confident in your decision.
Benefits of Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is mild, safe, doesn’t put the patient to sleep and wears off quickly.
It relaxes patients and dulls discomfort so that treatment is less stressful and more effective.
It’s a good option for patients with special needs, including those with certain medical, emotional or behavioral issues.
Safe and Mild Sedation
Dentists have been using nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, for well over a century and it’s still popular today because there are very few side effects, it’s been proven safe and it kicks in and wears off in minutes. The blend of nitrous oxide and oxygen is delivered to your child through a mask. We have them breathe normally through their nose and within a few minutes, they start to feel tingly, calm, euphoric and probably a bit silly. While they’re under sedation, they remain awake and can still hear and respond to questions and directions. In addition to getting rid of anxiety, it also decreases discomfort, allowing us to finish treatment quickly and safely.
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Though discovered much earlier, by the 1860s, nitrous oxide was widely used by dentists.
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Nitrous oxide takes effect for most patients within three to five minutes and wears off just as quickly.
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It’s estimated that as many as 250,000 pediatric dental sedations are performed every year in the U.S.
