Nitrous Oxide Specialist

What is nitrous oxide?

Nitrous oxide is a clear gas that makes for a reliable and highly effective dental sedative for children. 

Nitrous oxide has a calming effect without inducing complete sleep or serious side effects. Many people call nitrous oxide laughing gas because it induces a strong sense of well-being and euphoria, which may also trigger giggling in kids. 

When might my child need nitrous oxide?

The Pediatric Dental Group of New York team may recommend nitrous oxide sedation for dental procedures that your child feels worried or scared about. 

That can include all types of procedures, especially those that can be uncomfortable or painful, such as tooth extractions, fillings, crowns, or pediatric root canals. 

Children with a sensitive gag reflex, low pain tolerance, or uncontrollable muscle movements may also need nitrous oxide sedation for dental work like fillings and crowns. 

Some children, for example, special needs dentistry patients or particularly anxious children, may also need nitrous oxide for routine pediatric dentistry care like teeth cleanings.

Is nitrous oxide safe for my child?

Nitrous oxide is safe for virtually all children, but in certain rare cases, it may not be the best sedation dentistry option. 

The Pediatric Dental Group of New York team performs a full medical history review to check for conditions, like nasal obstructions, that may prevent nitrous oxide from working properly. 

If your child can't use nitrous oxide for dental sedation, the team discusses other types of sedation dentistry to find an option that works for your child.  

How does nitrous oxide sedation work?

For nitrous oxide sedation, your child's dentist places a small mask over their nose. They breathe in the nitrous oxide, and it takes a matter of minutes to take effect. Your child may feel like they're floating, or they may have a tingling sensation in their arms or legs. The overall result is calmness and relaxation.

Your child's dentist can adjust nitrous oxide sedation level as needed during the procedure. Your child remains alert enough to respond to the dentist as they perform the procedure, but they won't feel any pain, anxiety, or discomfort. 

After completing the dental work, the dentist reduces the nitrous oxide until your child's breathing in pure oxygen. The effects dissipate almost immediately after the procedure. Most children don't remember their dental procedure because nitrous oxide has short-term amnesiac properties.

Pediatric Dental Group of New York is there to help your child leave the office smiling and pain-free. Book an appointment through the online scheduling tool or call the nearest office.