What Happens When Your Child Gets Nitrous Oxide for Sedation?

If your child is scared to go to the dentist, they’re not alone. Since this is a common issue, our dentists in Oklahoma City and Midwest City, OK, at Smiling Faces Pediatric Dentistry offer sedation options, including nitrous oxide or laughing gas, for stress-free appointments. Here’s what to expect if you choose nitrous oxide for your child’s visits.

Obtaining Consent

We’ll go over any concerns you may have about this sedation and ask for your consent before starting it. This is a great opportunity to ask questions you have about nitrous oxide.

Placing the Mask

Once your child is in the chair and ready, we place a mask on their face and ask them to breathe as they usually would. We make sure your child feels comfortable with the mask on and make adjustments as needed.

Starting the Flow

When your child is all set, the gas begins to flow through the mask. Your child breathes it in, resulting in feelings of calmness without putting them to sleep. Nitrous oxide is a fast-acting form of dental sedation in Midwest City and Oklahoma City, OK.

During Cleanings or Treatment

We monitor your child closely during their appointment and adjust the flow of gas as needed. Since the effects start so quickly, your child should feel relaxed throughout their visit.

After Cleanings or Treatment

We turn off the flow of nitrous oxide and have your child breathe in oxygen to flush out the laughing gas.

Visit Our Pediatric Dentist for Dental Sedation

Does your child get anxious about dental appointments? At Smiling Faces Pediatric Dentistry, we offer dental sedation in Oklahoma City and Midwest City, OK, including nitrous oxide, to help your child feel at ease when they visit us for any type of care.

Sedation

Is Nitrous Oxide Safe for Kids?

Nitrous oxide, also sometimes called laughing gas, has been in use since the late 1700s. It’s also received something of a bad reputation in pop culture and the media, which is why parents may be hesitant about its safety for themselves (let alone their children).

If you’re concerned about how dentists in Midwest City, OK use nitrous oxide, we’ll look at the general facts and how you can expect your child to react.

What Is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide in Midwest City, OK is a sedative that helps your child feel calmer during a dental procedure. It’s usually administered via a nosepiece to help kids get through anything from a filling to a teeth cleaning. Since the 1700s, the ability to control the dosage of nitrous oxide has come a long way. You can expect your child to receive just enough to feel better but not enough to endanger their safety.

How Does the Procedure Work?

Typically, children will be asked not to eat anything directly before the procedure, but they can eat a light meal anytime up to two hours before it starts. When the gas is first released, your child may feel warm and sleepy but not so sleepy that they won’t be able to follow the dentist’s instructions. Once the procedure is over, the recovery is usually quick enough. The most common side effects include mild stomach aches.

Sedation Dentistry in Midwest City, OK

If you’re looking for sedation dentistry for your child, the team at Smiling Faces Pediatric Dentistry is here to answer your questions. Whether you choose nitrous oxide or not, we can help your child work through any fear or discomfort so they can have a better experience.