Some children walk into a dental office excited. Others feel scared, and a few have already had a hard visit somewhere else. At Pediatric Dental Group of New York, we help nervous kids get the care they need with patience, clear explanations and, when it helps, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or another form of sedation. Families see us at our Albany office on Albany Shaker Road and at our Schenectady and Glens Falls offices.
This page explains how we approach dental anxiety, how laughing gas works, when stronger sedation is recommended and how to prepare your child.
Why Do Some Kids Feel Anxious at the Dentist?
Dental fear in children is common. New sounds, bright lights, a reclining chair and not knowing what comes next can all feel overwhelming. A strong gag reflex, a past painful visit, sensory sensitivities or simply being very young can make it harder for a child to sit still.
Our pediatric dentists are trained in child behavior management, and our team is used to caring for children who are nervous or who have had a difficult experience before. We explain each step in words your child can understand, go at your child’s pace and encourage questions.
How Do We Help Before Using Any Medication?
Many nervous children do well with a calm, step-by-step approach and no sedation at all. Things that help include:
- Talking about the dentist positively at home and reading books or watching age-appropriate videos about a dental visit.
- Bringing a favorite toy or comfort item to the appointment.
- Booking a time of day when your child is usually well-rested.
- Short familiarization visits for children with special healthcare needs or sensory sensitivities, so they can get used to the office before treatment.
You can find more tips for your child’s first visit in our patient resources.
What Is Nitrous Oxide, and How Does It Feel?
Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is a mild sedative mixed with oxygen and breathed through a small mask placed over your child’s nose. It takes effect within a few minutes. Your child stays awake and able to respond the whole time, but feels calmer and more relaxed.
Many children describe the feeling as “floaty” or giggly, which is where the nickname comes from. When the treatment is finished, the gas is turned off and your child breathes oxygen for a few minutes to clear any remaining effects. Most kids bounce right back and can continue their day.
Which Children Are Good Candidates for Laughing Gas?
We commonly use nitrous oxide for:
- Children with mild to moderate dental anxiety
- Young or nervous patients who have trouble sitting still
- Children with a strong gag reflex
- Minor procedures such as fillings, stainless steel crowns or tooth extractions
- Patients with special healthcare needs who benefit from extra relaxation
Is Laughing Gas Safe for Children?
Nitrous oxide is one of the safest forms of sedation used in pediatric dentistry. It has been used for decades and is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Its effects wear off quickly once the mask is removed.
Before any sedation, we review your child’s medical history. Our pediatric dentists are trained to give nitrous oxide safely and monitor your child closely for the entire appointment.
When Is More Than Nitrous Oxide Needed?
Laughing gas is not the right fit for every child. For children who need more support, we offer two further options:
| Option | Is my child awake? | How it is given | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) | Yes, relaxed and responsive | Breathed through a nose mask in our office | A few minutes of oxygen, then back to normal activities |
| Non-IV conscious sedation | Yes, but drowsy and relaxed | Medication in our office, without an IV | Most children feel sleepy for a few hours and rest at home that day |
| General anesthesia (hospital dentistry) | No, fully asleep | In a hospital setting, monitored by a trained anesthesiologist | Recovery is guided by the hospital team |
Non-IV conscious sedation may be recommended for children with moderate anxiety, very young children who cannot follow instructions, children with a strong gag reflex or those who need several treatments in one visit. Hospital dentistry is used for extensive treatment, for children with special healthcare needs or developmental delays, or when care in a traditional office has not been successful. Learn more on our hospital dentistry and special needs dentistry pages.
How Should I Prepare My Child for a Sedation Visit?
We will give you instructions specific to the type of sedation your child is having. In general:
- Share your child’s full medical history and any medications they take.
- Follow our eating and drinking instructions for conscious sedation exactly. They are given for your child’s safety.
- Tell us if your child is sick or has a stuffy nose. Nitrous oxide is breathed through the nose, so congestion can make it less effective.
- Plan a quiet rest of the day at home after conscious sedation.
Use simple, calm words when you talk about the visit. We will explain the details to your child in a kid-friendly way when you arrive.
What Does Sedation Cost, and Is It Covered?
The cost depends on the type of sedation and the treatment your child needs. We go over options and costs with you before treatment. Pediatric Dental Group of New York works with most insurance plans, including Medicaid (Managed Care), and we accept CareCredit financing, most major credit cards, Apple Pay and cash.
Gentle Care for Anxious Kids in Albany, Schenectady and Glens Falls
Our Albany office at 652 Albany Shaker Road welcomes families from across Albany and the Capital Region. Children can also be seen at our Schenectady office and our Glens Falls office. Our pediatric dentists, including board-certified specialists, care for infants, children, teens and patients with special healthcare needs. Our team speaks several languages, including Spanish, Arabic and Farsi, which helps many children and parents feel more at ease.
Frequently Asked Questions About Laughing Gas and Sedation
Will my child be asleep with laughing gas?
No. With nitrous oxide your child stays awake and can respond to the dentist. They simply feel calmer and more relaxed.
How fast does laughing gas wear off?
Quickly. After the gas is turned off, your child breathes oxygen for a few minutes, and most children can return to their normal activities right after the visit.
Do you use IV sedation in the office?
No. Our in-office conscious sedation is given without an IV. When a child needs to be fully asleep, treatment is completed under general anesthesia in a hospital setting.
Can I get a second opinion about sedation for my child?
Yes. If you are unsure whether sedation or hospital dentistry is the right choice, our dentists offer consultations and second opinions to review the plan with you.
Request an Appointment
If your child feels anxious about the dentist, let us know when you schedule so we can plan the visit around their needs. Request an appointment online or call or text (518) 798-9966 to book at our Albany, Schenectady or Glens Falls office.