Nitrous Oxide Sedation in Pediatric Dentistry

Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, can be used in pediatric dental patients to help them relax and remain comfortable throughout a dental procedure. This type of sedation has been around for a long time, and is also commonly used on adults. If a dentist recommends using this type of sedation on your child, you may have many questions, including nitrous oxide sedation benefits and when this type of sedation may be used on a child. Read on to learn some of the frequently asked questions about nitrous oxide sedation in pediatric dentistry and the answers. 

What Are Some of the Nitrous Oxide Sedation Benefits?

Before a dentist provides your child with any type of sedation, including nitrous oxide sedation, you may want to learn all you can about it, including the benefits. This allows you to make a decision as to whether this is something that you want a dentist to administer to your child or whether it is something that you wish to not have done. Nitrous oxide has many benefits and it is very safe. Keep reading to learn more about these benefits. 

Enables Children to Get Dental Procedures

One of the biggest benefits associated with nitrous oxide sedation is that it can help ensure children get the dental care and procedures that they need. Kids can become scared or fearful about having needles, drills or other dental tools placed in their mouths. This can make it nearly impossible for some kids to get the care they need. Nitrous oxide helps a child to relax, which may be enough to ensure they get the dental care they are in need of. 

Can Speed Up a Dental Procedure

Another benefit associated with nitrous oxide sedation in pediatric dentistry is that it may help to speed the procedure up. It can be hard for some children to follow directions, even if they want to. Leaving their mouth wide open and not touching their mouth can be hard. Once again, nitrous oxide helps children to relax and be more calm and comfortable. This can make it easier for a dentist to work, which can help to speed up the length of time the procedure takes. 

Helps to Prevent Future Anxieties Associated With Dentists

It is very common for adults to have anxiety related to the dentist. And unfortunately, a lot of this anxiety comes from being fearful or having had a painful procedure as a child. By ensuring children are comfortable and not in pain, a pediatric dentist can help to minimize the chances of future anxieties related to a dentist being created. 

Is Not as Invasive as Other Sedatives

The final benefit associated with nitrous oxide is that it is not as invasive as other sedatives. A child is not knocked out or put to sleep. This helps reduce the risk of this sedative and helps a child to have fewer side effects. 

Are There Any Downsides to Nitrous Oxide Sedation? 

While there are many benefits associated with nitrous oxide, you may find yourself wondering if there are any downsides to this sedative as well. The most common side effects include feeling sleepy or overly tired, feeling a little nauseous, or seeing hallucinations while the gas is in their system. A great administrator can change the dosage of the nitrous oxide to help lessen any side effects that may be associated with this sedation option. 

When Might a Child Need a Nitrous Oxide Sedation Procedure? 

Nitrous oxide sedation can be used for many different procedures, depending on the child. If a child is extremely fearful of the dentist or has a hard time sitting still and opening their mouth, nitrous oxide sedation can be used for minor procedures, including dental examinations and dental cleanings. Nitrous oxide can also be used for more invasive or lengthy procedures, including filling a cavity, placing sealants or extracting a tooth. If you are concerned about how long your child will need to sit for a procedure or your child's dental anxiety or fears, talk to your pediatric dentist to find out if nitrous oxide may be an option for your child. 

If you have a child who does not do well sitting still at the dentist's office or who needs a procedure that can be lengthy and painful, your pediatric dentist may recommend nitrous oxide as there are many nitrous oxide sedation benefits. Here at Baker Pediatric Dentistry, we offer nitrous oxide sedation. Contact us today if you feel your child could benefit from sedation dentistry. 

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