Nitrous Oxide – Fort Washington, PA
Safely Easing Dental Anxiety & Fear
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide sedation dentistry in Fort Washington is the most frequently used method for easing mild to moderate dental anxiety in children. So, if your child struggles with a fear of needles, the dentist, or the sights and sounds of the dental office, this may be the solution you’ve been looking for! To learn more about nitrous oxide sedation, you can schedule an appointment with us or read on.
Why Choose Upper Dublin Pediatric Dentistry for Nitrous Oxide?
- Board-Certified Dentist in Fort Washington
- Dental Insurance Welcome
- Equipped with the Latest Dental Technology
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Candidacy for nitrous oxide is determined on a case-by-case basis. After all, if your child has a condition that makes it difficult for them to breathe through their nose, nitrous oxide won’t effectively alleviate their stress or anxiety. With that said, this calming solution is a good fit for a wide range of patients since it’s mild, but effective. Ultimately, the best way to find out if nitrous oxide sedation is a good fit for your child is by scheduling an appointment with our Fort Washington pediatric dental team.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
The process of administering nitrous oxide begins at your child’s appointment. After they settle into the treatment chair, we will place a small mask over their nose and ask them not to breathe through their mouth. As the odorless, colorless gas begins to work, your child will feel any anxiety, stress, or tension melt away. They will still be awake too, which means that they can easily talk with Dr. Gardner and respond to any verbal cues she gives.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
At the end of your child’s dental appointment, they will resume breathing regular oxygen. Within a matter of minutes, all the effects of nitrous oxide will disappear, which means they will be able to resume their daily routine as usual. With enough time, your child may develop a more positive association with going to the dentist and become more comfortable during dental visits. At that point, nitrous oxide may not be necessary anymore!
Nitrous Oxide Sedation FAQs
Is nitrous oxide safe for children?
Nitrous oxide has been used to help patients sit comfortably through intensive dental procedures for almost two centuries, and it is remarkably safe for pediatric patients. This chemical is completely eliminated from the body a few minutes after the treatment ends, and it results in no long-term side effects. In some cases, a child may experience dizziness or an upset stomach after receiving nitrous oxide, but these issues will be temporary. You may be able to help your child avoid nausea by limiting their intake of food and fluid before the procedure. Nitrous oxide treatment can even help kids avoid developing unpleasant associations with dental care that can make it difficult for them to seek a dentist’s help later. Dr. Gardner will carefully review your child’s medical history and list of current medications before recommending nitrous oxide to ensure that they can receive the treatment without any complications.
Will my child remember anything from their nitrous oxide treatment?
While your child will be awake when receiving nitrous oxide, they may have difficulty remembering the details of their procedure. This amnesiac effect should be quite mild and will fade briefly after the treatment ends, and it may even be beneficial by preventing your child from developing unfavorable associations that can make them anxious about receiving dental care later.
What are the risks of nitrous oxide?
Dentists trust nitrous oxide because it is remarkably safe for virtually all patients. Your child may become groggy or develop the giggles when receiving the treatment (hence the name “laughing gas”), and they may experience mild and temporary aftereffects like dizziness, an upset stomach, or a slight headache after the treatment is over. These issues should fade quickly after they stop receiving the gas.
Will my child feel pain when receiving nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide effectively suppresses the patient’s ability to perceive pain. While your child may feel slight discomfort during their treatment, it will probably feel like pressure rather than hurting. Depending on the procedure being performed, Dr. Gardner may administer a local anesthetic to make sure their mouth is numb beforehand.
Will nitrous oxide make my child tell secrets?
Despite what you may have seen in cartoons, nitrous oxide does not work as a truth serum that causes the patient to blab personal information or reveal embarrassing secrets. There is virtually no risk of your child revealing any information that they would not otherwise while receiving nitrous oxide. Even if your child says something silly or uncouth during the treatment, our staff will not discuss it afterward.