Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous Oxide is an anesthetic gas that is designed to help reduce a child’s anxiety, increase cooperation, as well as decrease gag reflux.‍‍

What is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous Oxide is an anesthetic gas that is designed to help reduce a child’s anxiety, increase cooperation, as well as decrease gag reflux. Although considered odorless, it does have a sweet smell, is well tolerated by children, and extremely safe.

When is Nitrous Oxide used?

Nitrous Oxide is used for most restorative procedures like dental fillings, dental crowns, and extractions. Nitrous can also be used for procedures that can trigger a gag reflex.

Is Nitrous Oxide safe and effective?

Nitrous oxide is non-allergenic, well tolerated, and very safe! The effects of the gas are a minor euphoria, sometimes kids giggle or laugh. Your child is always awake, feeling slightly calmer and more relaxed. Once nitrous is turned off, the effects of nitrous are reversible within minutes. A pleasant appointment is usually the outcome. While there is much success with Nitrous, every child has different needs; some children will require a deeper level of sedation to safely complete treatment.

How is Nitrous Oxide Administered?

After your child has picked a movie to watch, a low profile scented nasal mask is placed over your child’s nose. Oxygen is initially administered and your child is made comfortable. Slowly, Nitrous is titrated until your child starts to feel the effects. Once treatment is complete, the Nitrous is turned off and just Oxygen is administered. Within minutes the Nitrous effects are reversed and the patient is ready to be safely discharged. If you think your child can benefit using Nitrous, and want to come into the office for an exam, contact us today and we can help answer all of your questions.