Did you know that some studies suggest that anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of children and adolescents experience high levels of dental anxiety? That means if your kid seems scared or frustrated about an upcoming appointment, they’re not alone. Many youths worry that their dental appointment might hurt, whether they need a routine checkup and cleaning or a more invasive procedure.
Thankfully, your dentist can provide nitrous oxide sedation to help them feel calm and comfortable throughout their visit. Continue reading to learn more about this medication to decide if it’s right for your child!
What Is Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
Several potential drugs can be administered to dental patients to help them feel relaxed and pain-free, but nitrous oxide may be the most popular option. It’s administered as a gas that your little one breathes in through a nose mask while their dentist works. Once inhaled, it displaces the air in their lungs, limiting how much oxygen reaches their brain. This is known to cause a mild tingly, giggly, and sometimes euphoric sensation, which is likely why this drug is commonly referred to as laughing gas.
The effects of this medication kick in quickly and don’t render them unconscious, meaning they’ll be awake enough to respond to questions or instructions from their provider. Then, the meds dissipate within moments after the mast is removed, so your child can resume their normal activities following their appointment.
Who Does Nitrous Oxide Sedation Help?
Many parents assume that their child isn’t eligible for sedation dentistry unless they’re undergoing a lengthy, complex, or invasive procedure, but fortunately, that’s not necessarily true. Nitrous oxide can be administered to help kids in several different circumstances, including if they:
- Experience dental anxiety.
- Have a sensitive gag reflex.
- Must undergo several treatments back-to-back or a lengthy procedure, and struggle to sit still for more extended periods.
- Are undergoing complex or invasive services.
Is Nitrous Oxide Safe for Kids?
It’s natural to wonder whether sedatives are safe for still-developing smiles; after all, you wouldn’t want to expose your child to something that might harm their well-being. Thankfully, nitrous oxide is considered safe for most people when it’s administered by a qualified professional, like their pediatric dentist.
However, their provider must monitor their health stats to ensure everything remains within expected healthy ranges. Although it’s rare, there have been occasions when kids have fallen into deeper-than-anticipated levels of sedation that put their heart rate, breathing, and vitals at risk.
If you’re still unsure whether nitrous oxide is right for your child, the next best step is to consult their pediatric dentist directly!
Meet the Author
Dr. Natalie Gardner takes pride in helping children learn the value of building and maintaining a happy, healthy smile. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, School of Dentistry, then completed a two-year Pediatric Dental Medicine Residency at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia. Today, she’s an active member of several prestigious organizations, including as a Diplomate with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, so you can trust that your kid’s teeth are in good hands. She offers a variety of services to meet even the most unique needs, including nitrous oxide sedation. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (267) 481-7707.