Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas, is a wonderfully effective medication to help your child receive the dental care that they need. Nitrous oxide is an anxiety-reducing medication. It reduces the need for local anesthetic (numbing). Nitrous oxide decreases gagging issues. Nitrous oxide often makes it possible for us to complete more dental work or to complete dental work more effectively.

If your child is receiving dental care with nitrous oxide and you want to prepare them, there are a few actions you can take to help them prepare. Having a light meal before nitrous oxide is recommended. You may explain a few steps to your child if you want. Your child will be given a choice of different scents for the nitrous nose. You can explain to your child that they may feel a little “tingly or floaty.” At times, children feel “heavy.” After treatment is complete, your child will need to stay in the chair for an extra few minutes to release the nitrous oxide from their system.