Did you know…
that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry formally recognizes nitrous oxide sedation as a safe means of administering analgesia to children? It relaxes the central nervous system while causing little effect on respiratory patterns. In fact, the AAPD actually recommends nitrous gas for reducing dental anxiety in pediatric patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I ask Dr. Howe to administer nitrous gas during our next visit?
If your child has a fear of the dentist, is very young, or has extensive dental treatment needs, nitrous analgesia may be a topic that you should explore with Dr. Howe.
What should I expect when my child is sedated with nitrous?
Your child will be asked to breathe in a mixture of nitrous gas and oxygen from a mask at the beginning of his or her appointment. The amount of gas administered will be monitored and adjusted throughout treatment to help him or her relax while staying completely alert and responsive. Nitrous often makes children feel warm, lightheaded, or even ‘giggly.’ It also has mild pain-relieving properties. At the end of the laughing gas treatment, oxygen is administered to help alleviate the effects of the gas in your child’s system and return him or her to a natural state of awareness.
Will I need to follow any special instructions when caring for my child following sedation?
No. Nitrous oxide will naturally leave your child’s body within five minutes of stopping the flow of gas.