Sedation & General Anesthesia

Nitrous Oxide:

Some children become anxious at the dental office, and have difficulty relaxing long enough for the dentist to finish treatment. For these children, we may suggest a mild relaxant called "laughing gas" (nitrous oxide).

This is administered by placing a small mask over your child's nose. Your child will be asked to breathe through his or her nose and not through the mouth. As the gas begins to work, the child becomes calm, although he or she is still awake and can talk with the dentist. It eases their fears so that they can relax and receive treatment comfortably and safely. When the gas is turned off, the effects of sedation wear off almost immediately.

As the child gets older and becomes more comfortable with the dentist, nitrous oxide may not be needed.