There are so many things that just don’t come in the parenting handbook. Oh wait, there is no such thing as a parenting handbook. This means that as parents, we need to figure things out for ourselves—things like remembering to make important appointments with the pediatrician or kids’ dentist. We need to know how to manage squirrelly kids who don’t like being introduced to new places or people. We also need to know how to make responsible decisions when it comes to our kid’s oral health, including things like nitrous oxide in children’s dentistry.

In this article, we’ll give you the inside scoop on anesthesia and conscious sedation and what it might mean for your child.

What is nitrous oxide?

Let’s start with the obvious question—what is nitrous oxide, exactly? 

Nitrous oxide, often called “laughing gas,” is a mild form of conscious sedation used in children’s dentistry to help calm nerves and create a more comfortable experience during dental procedures. It’s a colorless, odorless gas administered through a small mask placed over your child’s nose. While it helps children relax, they remain awake and can communicate with the dentist throughout the treatment.

One of the biggest benefits of nitrous oxide is that it works quickly, and sedation starts to wear off just as fast. In most cases, it only takes a few minutes after the mask is removed for your child to feel like themselves again, which makes it a great option for shorter procedures.

Safety of Nitrous Oxide for Kids

If you are like most parents, we know what you are going to ask next. Is nitrous oxide safe for my child? Are there any other options? 

Nitrous oxide is one of the most commonly used inhalation anesthetic agents in children’s dentistry. It’s considered safe, cost-effective, and well-tolerated by most kids. While there are some potential side effects, such as nausea, headaches, dizziness, shivering, sweating, and fatigue, these effects typically wear off quickly after the procedure. The calming effects of nitrous oxide make it a pleasant choice for children who may be anxious or squirmy during dental visits.

Your child’s dentist near Salem will thoroughly review their medical records before using nitrous oxide to confirm there are no concerns or contraindications. While other options for sedation exist, nitrous oxide is often preferred due to its safety profile and quick recovery time. If you have any questions or worries, rest assured that your dental team at Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry will walk you through everything and discuss what’s best for your child.

Procedure for Administering Nitrous Oxide

Now, let’s talk about what to expect as far as the nitrous oxide procedure itself. And we promise, it’s a routine procedure that is far less complicated than it might sound. Here’s what you should know about sedation dentistry near Salem.

The process begins with your child sitting comfortably in the dental chair. As we shared earlier, a small mask is placed over their nose, allowing them to breathe in a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen. This combination acts as dental anesthesia, helping your child feel calm and relaxed.

The gas works quickly, taking effect within a few minutes. Your child may feel a sense of lightness or tingling in their arms and legs, but they’ll still be aware of what’s happening. The dentist will monitor your child’s comfort level during the entire procedure, adjusting the nitrous oxide as needed. 

Once the treatment is finished, the mask is removed, and your child will breathe pure oxygen for a short while as this helps rid their system of any remaining gas. This allows the sedation effects to wear off quickly. And, the best news is that your child can return to their regular activities shortly after the visit.

Benefits of Using Nitrous Oxide

At this point, you can probably list the benefits of conscious sedation yourself. 

• Helps calm anxious children
• Allows kids to remain awake and responsive during the procedure
• Quick onset and fast recovery time
• Minimal side effects that wear off quickly
• Makes dental visits more comfortable and stress-free
• Gets your kids back to playing and enjoying their day

Looking for a pediatric dental office that offers sedation dentistry?

If you’ve been online searching for sedation dentistry near Salem, you’ve come to the right place. At Spinnaker Pediatric Dentistry, we are experts in gentle and safe pediatric dentistry. We want your child to have a great experience in the dental chair. And, we want parents to feel great about our care.

If your child requires conscious sedation for a dental procedure, we can help. Request an appointment today to get started.