As pediatric dentists, we try to make the kids as comfortable as possible so that they and you will have the best experience. We understand that some kids really look forward to coming to the dentist, but there are others who are a bit anxious just before seeing us or even during treatment. Talking to the kids and showing them everything we do before we do it sometimes isn’t enough to make them comfortable. This is when we may recommended Nitrous Oxide or laughing gas. Nitrous Oxide is a safe and effective agent to calm a child’s fear of the dental visit and also enhance our communication. It also works great for kids who have a heightened gag reflex during dental treatment.
ENCINO PEDIATRIC DENTISTS WHO CARE TAKE THE TIME TO EXPLAIN!
As pediatric dentists, we try to make the kids as comfortable as possible so that they and you will have the best experience. We understand that some kids really look forward to coming to the dentist, but there are others who are a bit anxious just before seeing us or even during treatment. Talking to the kids and showing them everything we do before we do it sometimes isn’t enough to make them comfortable. This is when we may recommended Nitrous Oxide or laughing gas. Nitrous Oxide is a safe and effective agent to calm a child’s fear of the dental visit and also enhance our communication. It also works great for kids who have a heightened gag reflex during dental treatment.
KIDS’ DENTISTS UNDERSTAND, LAUGHING GAS CAN BE SCARY FOR CHILDREN
We administer the nitrous oxide through a fitted mask that is placed over your child’s nose. As your child is breathing through the mask, he/she will start to feel a sense of euphoria and his/her body may start to feel a little tingly. Nitrous oxide sometimes causes nausea, so make sure your child hasn’t had a heavy meal two hours prior to his/her dental appointment. Nitrous oxide also helps to raise the pain threshold, so that some of the work we do may not bother your child as it would without the laughing gas.
The best part of nitrous oxide is its safety. It is perhaps the safest sedative available in dentistry. Its effects are felt quickly, it is easily reversible, and can be adjusted to different concentrations depending on the needs of your child. While your child is smelling the nitrous oxide gas, he/she will remain fully awake and will be able to respond and communicate with us during the entire procedure.
Unfortunately, nitrous oxide does not work on every child. Children who have severe anxiety, nasal congestion, or are uncomfortable wearing the mask may not be good candidates for nitrous oxide. Based on your child’s medical history, degree of anxiety, and dental needs, we may recommend another sedation method for your child.