At Little Pearls Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that dental visits can be challenging for some children, especially those who have had previous traumatic dental experiences, have special healthcare needs, or require extensive treatment. If your child struggles with any dental anxiety, various
To ensure that every child receives the care they need in a comfortable, stress-free environment, we offer a range of sedation options. In most cases, an inhaled anesthetic called nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” can be an incredibly safe and effective tool to decrease anxiety and allow treatment to be completed in a routine dental setting. These methods are tailored to suit the specific needs of each child, ensuring a safe and anxiety-free dental experience.
Why Consider Nitrous Oxide in Dentistry?
- Reduces Anxiety: Nitrous Oxide functions as an anxiolytic, meaning it effectively reduces anxiety which is often the greatest obstacle to completing treatment. This can also help a child remain still during longer treatment appointments because they are relaxed, allowing a better outcome of treatment.
- Reduces Discomfort: Nitrous Oxide has the ability to create a generalized feeling of numbness, therefore lessening the ability for a patient to feel discomfort. This is particularly helpful during procedures that may be uncomfortable or require the child to remain still for long periods. In some circumstances, nitrous oxide may be used instead of local anesthetic, to prevent your child from having to feel numbness for several hours and risk biting their lip or cheek.
- Reduces Gag Reflex: some procedures can be technique sensitive, particularly to moisture. If a strong gag reflex is something your child struggles with, nitrous oxide can help lessen that reflex sensitivity to allow for adequate isolation.
- Safe: With a few exceptions, nitrous oxide is incredibly safe for most patients and unlike other forms of sedation, it has little effect on the respiratory system. Having a quick onset and quick offset, your child should be feeling totally themselves when leaving the office and will have minimal food restrictions before and after treatment.
