At Epic Dentistry for Kids we are able to provide nitrous oxide
to help your child complete their dental treatment needs. Our pediatric dentist can provide these services for kids all across Aurora and Denver.
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is commonly used as a gentle sedative during pediatric dental procedures. Of course, any time and type of medication is administered to a child, parents want to be informed. Keep reading to find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about nitrous oxide!
What Is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor. It has been used for sedative purposes in medicine for about one hundred years, and once it is administered the patient remains awake but completely relaxed. Some patients even feel happy and giggly! All bodily functions remain normal during the administration of nitrous oxide, and the effects wear off quickly. When the procedure is over, the flow of nitrous oxide is decreased to zero, and the oxygen will be increased. After resting in the chair for a few minutes, the child will feel completely normal.
What are the benefits and side effects?
Compared to other sedatives, nitrous oxide has very little effect on the respiratory system. The most common adverse effects are nausea or vomiting, occurring in just 0.5% of patients, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
Nitrous oxide takes effect within minutes, and its effects are reversible almost immediately. The patient also does not have to fast beforehand, though the dentist may recommend that your child eat only a light meal a couple of hours before their appointment. This makes it great for pediatric procedures, and it also means that it can be used with less preparation and planning than most other sedative options. If during a procedure it seems that your child could benefit from nitrous oxide, your pediatric dentist will be able to discuss this as an option with you.
Nitrous oxide is not a substitute for a local anesthetic, as it does not numb pain. It is considered an anxiolytic, meaning it eases anxiety. However, a child receiving nitrous oxide may not always need an anesthetic injection, depending on the procedure. Even if they do need a numbing shot, they won’t mind at all while under sedation. They will be relaxed but they won’t be asleep, which means they will be able to speak, be aware of their surroundings, and remain in control of themselves during the procedure.
What are the alternatives to nitrous oxide?
There are a few alternatives for nitrous oxide, but treatment and procedure options vary greatly depending on the child and their specific situation. Your pediatric dentist in Aurora will discuss all of your options with you when planning for treatment. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
When do pediatric dentists use nitrous oxide?
Pediatric dentists typically use nitrous oxide when young patients are extremely stressed or nervous, and are not comfortable receiving dental treatment without some help. Nitrous oxide can also be used for longer procedures when your child might get uncomfortable and restless. It is perfectly understandable for children to feel anxious during dental procedures, and ‘laughing gas’ can help ease their nerves.
Before any treatment, we will take a complete medical history for your child, including any medications they are currently taking. This is done to ensure their safety, and make sure we are making the best choices for them. If you have any questions about preparing for your child’s dental care, do not hesitate to contact us here at Epic Dentistry for Kids.
FAQ
What is nitrous oxide sedation treatment?
Children receiving treatment at our office in the city of Aurora can benefit from the use of nitrous oxide to help reduce their anxiety levels during any procedure. The gas can be administered shortly before treatment to help the child remain at ease during any intervention and we will always consult with the patient’s parents to verify that the use of this gas is acceptable to them.
How does nitrous oxide sedation work?
The process is very simple. Nitrous oxide gas is delivered to the child with a mask and the effects are noticeable in a few minutes. It does not substitute any local or general anesthetics, but it has a very little impact on a patient’s respiratory system and very few cases of side-effects that are limited to nausea or vomiting.
What level of sedation is nitrous oxide?
The use of nitrous oxide is nowhere nearly as effective as a local anesthetic, but it doesn’t have to be. This gas helps the patient remain calm during treatment, but no dentist would recommend it if there was a need for a more invasive procedure. Here in the city of Aurora, our staff will use nitrous oxide only to help the child stay relaxed during treatment.
Does nitrous oxide make you sleepy?
Nitrous oxide is not supposed to make you sleep. The patient is expected to be more relaxed, but the idea is that the patient remains fully aware of their surroundings to provide the dentists with feedback if they feel discomfort or pain at any stage of treatment.
Is nitrous oxide conscious sedation?
Yes. A patient should remain conscious during the treatment when they receive nitrous oxide. The effects should be limited to making the patient feel relaxed and giggly. The patient will be able to undergo longer treatments without feeling any type of anxiety and making it easier for the dentist to complete any dental health procedure.
