Nitrous oxide inhalation (laughing gas) is a form of mild sedation that results in relaxation during treatment. Your child will remain awake or very sleepy throughout the entire procedure and will be able to breathe normally, but he or she will feel a great sense of relaxation. Patients typically recover from the use of nitrous oxide within minutes after the procedure is complete. 

This method is used for patients with moderate dental anxiety and for patients who need longer or more complex procedures. This liquid medication is administered orally in the office one hour before treatment. With oral conscious sedation, your child will remain awake but sleepy throughout the procedure remaining in a state of relaxation.

Our patients undergo general anesthesia in a hospital setting where the presence of a specialized doctor safely oversees the administration of your child’s anesthesia. The patient will have no recollection of the procedure. This is advised for very young patients or patients with extensive treatment needed that are unable to be completed in the office. This is an outpatient procedure and the patient will be able to go home within hours of the procedure. 

Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most frequently used method for easing mild to moderate anxiety. Recovery is quick so your child can resume normal activities immediately.

An extremely common technique for dental sedation is oral sedation. It is easy and does not require the use of needles. Your child will be given a liquid medication in the office which is taken about an hour before the treatment and will have your child fully relaxed by the time treatment begins.

Please contact our practice to schedule a consultation, learn more about sedation dentistry, and find out which sedation dentistry method may be right for your child.