For children who may be anxious about dental treatment, we provide nitrous oxide: a safe pediatric sedation dentistry technique. Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, can help children relax without putting them to sleep.
Pediatric Dental Nitrous Oxide
We understand that some dental procedures can be stressful for young children. We’re here to provide solutions! It’s important to us that your little one feels at-ease.
If your child would benefit from nitrous oxide for dental work, Dr. Rebecca Day will explain the process in detail, answer all of your questions, and take the time to ensure that you and your child are comfortable.
What is nitrous oxide in dentistry?
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is an odorless gas commonly given to patients before medical or dental procedures to make the patients feel sleepy and relaxed. Laughing gas is administered through a breathing mask placed over the nose.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends dental nitrous oxide as an option for patients who have any of the following needs or circumstances:
- A fearful or anxious patient
- Patients with special health care needs
- Patients whose gag reflexes interfere with dental care
- Cooperative children undergoing lengthy dental procedures
Is nitrous oxide safe for children?
We’re glad you asked! Yes, the AAPD recognizes nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation as a safe and effective technique to reduce anxiety and produce analgesia (pain relief.)
What are the benefits of nitrous oxide in pediatric dentistry?
Helps your little one develop a positive association with dentist visits
Dentist visits don’t have to be scary! Calming your child with nitrous oxide for a dental procedure can relieve dental anxiety and prevent your child from feeling pain or discomfort. This technique makes your child less likely to fear the dentist in the future!
Decreases anxiety
Laughing gas will make your child feel dreamy, floaty, warm and tingly in their hands and feet! These sensations will ease any pain, anxiety or fear.
Your little one maintains consciousness
Laughing gas does not put your child to sleep. Your little one will be conscious through the whole procedure, and they will maintain all of their natural reflexes! They just won’t be able to feel pain or anxiety associated with the procedure.
Nitrous oxide is quickly eliminated from the body and will leave your child’s system after they breathe oxygen for about 5 minutes following the procedure.
Non-addictive
The gas is mild, easily taken, and non-addictive.
What can I expect if my child gets laughing gas?
When we schedule the dental procedure appointment for your child, Dr. Day will discuss what to expect throughout the process! Our goal is to ensure that you have all of your questions answered before you and your child arrive for the procedure.
Before the appointment, please let us know:
- If there are any recent changes in your child’s health
- If your child has been diagnosed with a new medical condition
- If your child has a respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult. (This may limit the effectiveness of nitrous oxide.)
- If your child is taking any medication on the day of the procedure
When you arrive for your child’s appointment, we will demonstrate how the laughing gas is administered, and explain the steps in words that your little one understands!
Other Pediatric Dental Services
Schedule your appointment!
Looking for “pediatric dentists that use nitrous oxide near me”? Dr. Day is your trusted pediatric dentist in Baton Rouge and Addis, LA! Starting with your little one’s very first tooth, our team is here to guide you through the smile milestones and provide expert dental care with a gentle and compassionate approach.
We want every visit to our office to feel like a Sunny Day! Contact us today to schedule your appointment.