Preparing for Dental Treatment With Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas, is a medicine that kids can breathe during treatment to help relax. When used during dental visits, kids breathe it through a small mask over the nose. While breathing the gas, they feel less pain or fear.

Why Do Dentists Use Nitrous Oxide?

Dentists might use nitrous oxide to help kids be calm and not have pain during treatment. Kids are still awake and can follow instructions. They won't be asleep like they would be with general anesthesia.

Who Can Have Nitrous Oxide?

To use nitrous oxide for a dental visit, a child needs to be able to breathe through the nose and follow instructions. Most often, nitrous oxide is used for kids with special needs or who have trouble dealing with dental treatment. It can also be used to help children who are usually cooperative for dental treatment but need to have a longer procedure.

Is Nitrous Oxide Safe?

Nitrous oxide is a safe way for kids to feel relaxed during a procedure. The dentist will ask questions and review your child's health to make sure it's the right choice. Some kids could feel dizzy or have some nausea or vomiting after nitrous oxide, but this is rare.

What Happens During Dental Treatment With Nitrous Oxide?

Your child will breathe oxygen through a small mask over the nose. The nitrous oxide is added a little bit at a time to the oxygen until your child is relaxed. Your child keeps breathing the nitrous oxide until the procedure is done. Sometimes, a small monitor is put onto a finger to track your child's oxygen level during the procedure. When the nitrous oxide is turned off, it only takes a few minutes to wear off. The dental staff will keep an eye on your child after the procedure. They'll let you know when your child is back to normal and ready to go home.

Some parents want to know if the dentist can try the dental treatment first and only use nitrous oxide if the child gets upset or can't be still. That doesn't work because kids who are upset and crying get a stuffy nose and can't breathe the medicine through it. It's also hard to get an anxious child to wear the mask over their nose. Nitrous oxide works best when used from the beginning to help a calm child stay calm.

How Should We Prepare for Dental Treatment With Nitrous Oxide?

• Before getting nitrous oxide, your child needs to not eat or drink for a little while. Having an empty stomach means there's less chance of throwing up and less chance of choking. Follow your dentist's instructions for when your child should stop eating and when to stop drinking. The dentist may ask your child to avoid certain foods, like dairy or greasy meat, before the visit.

• Keep giving your child's usual medicines unless your dentist has asked you to stop them.

• Let the dentist know if your child develops any cold symptoms, like a stuffy nose or fever.

• Dress your child in comfortable clothes.

• If your child's hairstyle has a tie in the back of the head, it might be uncomfortable for them to lie down. Leave your child's hair free or tied lower at the neck.

• Your child's nails should be free of polish or artificial coverings so the oxygen monitor can work well.

Can I Stay With My Child During Treatment With Nitrous Oxide?

A parent or caregiver usually can stay with their child during treatment with nitrous oxide. Check with the dentist's office. Pregnant moms can stay with their child, but if you don't wish to stay in the room, you can bring another caregiver to stay with your child during the treatment.

How Do I Care for My Child After Nitrous Oxide?

You can drive your child home shortly after the dental treatment. The effects of nitrous oxide generally wear off in a few minutes. But it's still important to keep a close watch on your child for 24 hours after treatment to make sure their balance is OK.