Some people find it easy coming to our dental clinic, sitting on the dental chair, and letting us perform the required procedure. But for others, especially children, dental visits are full of fear and anxiety. As a result, they cannot stop gagging when we put instruments in their mouths and also become apprehensive before we perform any procedure.

Such dental anxiety can be addressed in many ways, and the use of nitrous oxide is one of them.

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What Does Nitrous Oxide Do? 

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a form of mild sedative that we administer to our anxious patients while treating them to make them feel more comfortable and relaxed. It manages pain and anxiety during the treatment safely and effectively. This colorless and odorless gas mixes with oxygen and is inhaled through a small mask that we put on their nose.

Your child may breathe normally; the effects of laughing gas are felt within a few minutes of breathing. Although the name suggests that nitrous oxide may make one laugh, but it doesn’t do so. It works by slowing down their nervous system so that they may feel less inhibited. The results of inhaling this gas include a feeling of tingling, light-headedness, and heaviness in their legs and arms. Your little one would feel comfortable and calm throughout the procedure.

What are the Benefits of Laughing Gas? 

Laughing gas is a safe and effective method of sedation used at our dental clinic. It works quickly to relax our patients. The effects of this gas, too, wear off quickly when we make them breathe pure oxygen through a mask. It doesn’t put them to sleep. Thus, they may hear and respond to all our instructions and questions.

What are the Uses of Laughing Gas? 

  • We use this gas for all patients who are uncooperative, anxious, and fearful.
  • Patients with special health care needs are often given this form of sedation to feel more comfortable throughout their dental procedure.
  • Laughing gas is also given to patients with gag reflexes.
  • Some patients may not respond well to local anesthesia. In this situation, we give them laughing gas to do the needful.
  • We administer laughing gas to our younger patients during their lengthy dental procedures.

Is Laughing Gas Safe for Children? 

The use of laughing gas is safe and effective for children, and many studies have supported this claim. It can help expedite the procedure that is not otherwise uncomfortable but requires the little ones not to move from the dental chair for extended periods.

Please reach out to our dental practice in Tulsa, OK, to have a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Gerety. Please call us at (918) 493-3031 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further.