Nitrous Oxide
What is Nitrous Oxide?
Commonly known as “laughing gas”, or “happy air”, nitrous oxide has calming effects and reduces unfavorable sensations. This helps your child feel more relaxed during a dental procedure. It is a sweet-smelling gas delivered through a nose mask. We have various scents that children can select from.
Things to Consider Prior to a Nitrous Oxide Dental Appointment
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Advise us of any respiratory concerns or respiratory illness, as this may decrease the benefits of nitrous.
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Your child will be awake and talking. Some get very wiggly and giggly, while others tend to remain very quiet.
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They will often express a feeling of floating and tingling; heaviness or lightness; or no change at all.
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It is delivered in a safe ratio-to-oxygen so that it is even higher than atmospheric oxygen.
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It is titratable, meaning that a gradual increase or decrease in concentration can be exercised to reach the comfort they need.
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It can cause nausea and vomiting, therefore we advise a LIGHT MEAL OR NO EATING 2 HOURS BEFORE THE NITROUS APPOINTMENT.
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At the end of the procedure, patients remain breathing 100% oxygen for 3-5 minutes and are slowly repositioned to an upright position to avoid vertigo or postural hypotension.
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Your child can return to school after a nitrous oxide appointment.
Learn more by visiting AAPD.org.