Norwood Nitrous Gas
Nitrous oxide is a type of dental analgesia used by dentist across the U.S. – including Norwood pediatric dental offices. Also known as ‘laughing gas,’ nitrous oxide is highly effective for giving children a sense of euphoria during their dental experiences. Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas that gives off a ‘sweet’ scent. It is administered throughout pediatric procedures under the oversight and care of a licensed professional. Whether your child has special needs, is afraid of the dentist or is simply too active to sit still through a dental treatment, nitrous gas sedation is a helpful tool for getting pediatric dental patients to relax and cooperate, while still allowing them to maintain a state of awareness.
Did you know…that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry formally recognizes nitrous oxide sedation as a safe means of administering analgesia to children? It relaxes the central nervous system while causing little effect on respiratory patterns. In fact, the AAPD actually recommends nitrous gas for reducing dental anxiety in pediatric patients. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I ask my child’s Norwood pediatric dentist to administer nitrous gas during our next visit?
If your child has a fear of the dentist, is very young, or has extensive dental treatment needs, nitrous analgesia may be a topic that you should explore with his or her dentist.
What should I expect when my child is sedated with nitrous?
Your child will be asked to breathe in a mixture of nitrous gas and oxygen from a mask at the beginning of his or her appointment. The amount of gas administered will be monitored and adjusted throughout treatment to help him or her relax while staying completely alert and responsive. Nitrous often makes children feel warm, lightheaded, or even ‘giggly.’ It also has mild pain-relieving properties. At the end of the Norwood laughing gas treatment, oxygen is administered to help alleviate the effects of the gas in your child’s system and return him or her to a natural state of awareness.
Will I need to follow any special instructions when caring for my child following sedation?
No. Nitrous oxide will naturally leave your child’s body within five minutes of stopping the flow of gas.
