Pediatric Nitrous Oxide Dental
“Happy air” helps keep your child at ease
Nitrous Oxide (commonly known as laughing gas) may be recommended to assist a child through a restorative dental appointment. This can be particularly useful for young children or for patients with special needs, and helps to ensure that their visit to the dentist is a positive one.
Nitrous oxide is often recommended for patients who experience anxiety or who have a strong gag reflex. Patients who are particularly sensitive to the sounds, smells, and feelings during a dentist appointment may also benefit from nitrous oxide.
How is nitrous oxide administered to children?
Administered through a nosepiece, nitrous oxide allows your child to remain conscious and responsive throughout the procedure while all but eliminating the nervousness and anxiety associated with dental procedures.
Nitrous oxide is considered safe by both dental and medical professionals. It is considered a safe and effective form of temporary sedation and is used for a variety of dental work. Our patients can feel the effects while they are inhaling the nitrous oxide through the mask. After the dental treatment, our pediatric dentists will gradually reduce the nitrous oxide to an oxygen mixture until your child is back to breaking pure oxygen again.
Our children’s dentist offices in Belleville, Glen Carbon, and O’Fallon Illinois recommend general anesthesia on a case-by-case basis. Individuals who may benefit from nitrous oxide for dental work may include:
- Patients with a pronounced gag reflex
- Patients who are extremely apprehensive
- Patients who require extensive dental treatment
- Patients who have had previous negative dental experiences
- Patients who find the sounds, sensations, or smells of dentistry upsetting
