Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas” is used to help relax children with mild to moderate anxiety about dental work. Nitrous oxide is delivered through a small mask placed over the child’s nose. The effects of Nitrous Oxide help children to relax so they can receive their dental treatment calmly and safely. Nitrous Oxide is recognized by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry as a safe and effective technique to use for treating children’s dental needs. The gas is non-addictive and is eliminated from the body within a few minutes after it is stopped. While inhaling nitrous oxide, your child will remain awake and able to interact with the dental team. Nitrous Oxide also provides an analgesic or pain relieving effect. For this reason, using Nitrous Oxide often allows the dentist to complete small restorations without numbing the mouth with local anesthetic. When local anesthetic is needed, using Nitrous Oxide first will make the injection more comfortable. Our doctors utilize Nitrous Oxide and topical anesthetic gel to make injections as pain free as possible. Many children do not even realize they have had a “shot.”

For children who are very young, apprehensive, or have extensive treatment needs, conscious sedation may be necessary. We will give your child an oral medication that will help calm them and minimize the anxiety or discomfort associated with dental treatment. Conscious sedation is intended to make your child drowsy. Some children will even fall asleep, but they will remain conscious, continue to breathe normally and be able to respond during and after treatment. While some children may still be upset by dental work done while sedated, the medications used will generally prevent the child from remembering the visit. The doctor will help determine which medication will be best for your child’s unique treatment needs. All children undergoing oral sedation are monitored continuously to assure the upmost safety and control.