Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide is more commonly referred to as laughing gas. It is given through a small breathing mask that is placed on the child’s nose. Nitrous oxide changes the levels of nitrogen in the body and creates a happy feeling in children. The gas is mild and does not put children to sleep. When the treatment is completed, the child is placed on 100% oxygen and the nitrous is completely eliminated from the body.

Nitrous oxide is recognized by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry as a safe way to treat anxious children. It is recommended for use with children who might have slight anxiety but are cooperative and have treatment that can be completed in less than an hour.

Please make sure your child has nothing to eat or drink for two hours prior to an appointment. One side effect of nitrous oxide is a feeling of nausea, which can be considerably reduced by having an empty stomach.

Call us and reschedule the appointment if your child shows any signs of upper respiratory problems that might make it difficult for him or her to breathe through the nose.