Going to the dentist can be nerve-wracking for patients of all ages. Luckily, dental laughing gas is safely used to calm both adults and children who need treatment. Nitrous oxide inhalation offers not only calming effects, but pain-relieving and numbing properties as well.
This combination of a more relaxed feeling and effective pain relief can be especially useful for dental care for younger patients. It also benefits children with shorter attention spans, pain sensitivity, or special needs, so that everyone can have a healthier smile.
What Is Laughing Gas?
Dental laughing gas is a safe and effective way to reduce pain during dental procedures. Laughing gas is a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is a natural substance that is found in the earth’s atmosphere. It is a gas that is both colorless and non-flammable.
When inhaled, nitrous oxide and oxygen work together to act as a mild sedative that causes a sense of euphoria or lightheadedness. The colloquial name of laughing gas reflects the giddiness one may feel upon inhaling it. Laughing gas is also used in other areas of medicine, such as emergency departments and operating rooms.
How Will Laughing Gas Sedation Work During A Dental Procedure For My Child?
Our pediatric experts will provide a breathing mask that supplies both oxygen and nitrous oxide to your child. In just minutes, your child will feel significantly more calm. In most instances, complete sedation is not necessary for treatment, and you can expect that your child will stay completely awake but with a more relaxed feeling. You can also expect the nitrous oxide to clear from your child’s system as soon as the gas is turned off.
Are There Side Effects Of Laughing Gas Usage?
There are no reported long-term side effects or after-effects of laughing gas usage in patients of any age. Laughing gas wears off quickly, so your child can be ready to return to school or resume normal activities within the very same day of their dental treatment.
What Are Precautions To Take Before A Dental Treatment Involving Nitrous Oxide?
Though uncommon, a small percentage of children may experience nausea or vomiting if they are treated with nitrous oxide right after a large meal. If you want to learn more about laughing gas usage and how it might help your child cope with dental treatment, call our pediatric dental experts at All Kids Dental in Suffolk, VA today!
