All You Need to Know About Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry for Children

If you have children, then it is important to ensure they have good oral health. When your children visit the dentist, they may need to undergo sedation. Sedation dentistry for children is a safe and effective way for a dentist to administer oral care. Our Pittsboro family dentist will be able to administer sedation medication, which includes nitrous oxide, safely. If you are concerned about sedation dentistry for children, then here is some information about nitrous oxide.

What is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide is a safe way to relax your child during dental procedures and is used at many local dental offices who treat children. Nitrous oxide is also known as laughing gas, and it mildly sedates children when they visit the dentist. In most cases, nitrous oxide is administered with a mask that is placed over a child’s nose. The nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen, which will be breathed in through the mask.

As the nitrous oxide takes effect, a child will feel relaxed and less anxious. Nitrous oxide is also an effective way to lessen a child’s gag reflex, which can alleviate problems a dentist may encounter when administering treatment on a child with a gag reflex.

Is Nitrous Oxide Safe?
You may wonder if nitrous oxide is a safe treatment for children. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) identifies nitrous oxide as a safe and efficient method to reduce nervousness. Nitrous oxide is also an effective way to help child communicate better with a dentist. When used correctly, nitrous oxide is thought to be one of the safest sedatives that is used during dental procedures.

How Will my Child Feel When Given Nitrous Oxide?
When your child is given nitrous oxide, he or she will remain conscious and retain all natural reflexes. He or she will be able to communicate with the dentist. There are some children who reported that it makes their limbs feel slightly tingly, which will wear off when the treatment is finished. When your child is given nitrous oxide, it will smell slightly sweet and produce a euphoric feeling. A Pittsboro dentist is qualified to give your child with nitrous oxide, which can result in a positive dental experience for your child.

If you have any questions about nitrous oxide, then please give our local Pittsboro dental office a call and we can answer any questions you may have about the treatment.