Top Six Reasons Why Nitrous Oxide Is the Ideal Sedative for Children

Top Six Reasons Why Nitrous Oxide Is the Ideal Sedative for Children

Apr 01, 2023

Do you notice your child always getting nervous whenever it is time to take them to the pediatric dentist near you? This might be due to dental phobia that can make it challenging for the pediatric dentist in Tampa to perform any dental procedure on your child. The invention of dental sedation has made it easier for dentists to perform dental procedures. One of the most common dental sedation is nitrous oxide sedation, also known as laughing gas. This piece will help you understand why nitrous oxide is the ideal sedative for your child. Keep on reading to find out more.

What Is Nitrous Oxide Used For?

Laughing gas can be used for a variety of dental procedures. Some procedures include filling cavities, root canal therapy, cleaning teeth and tooth extraction. Keep in mind that laughing gas is used to keep the patient calm and not reduce pain during a procedure. So, the pediatric dentist will use local anaesthesia if the dental procedure can cause pain.

When Is Its Use Appropriate for Children?

Now that you know what laughing gas is used for, when is it appropriate to look for a pediatric dentist who administers Nitrous Oxide in Tampa, FL, before a dental procedure? Here are some reasons for doing so:

  • If your kid resists local anaesthesia due to fear of being injected.
  • If the dental procedure is long.
  • If your child has a strong gag reflex, it will be challenging for the dentist to carry out the dental procedure.
  • If your kid struggles with keeping still in the dental chair and following instructions.

Fortunately, after the pediatric dentist administers nitrous oxide, you will notice that your kid becomes relaxed and calm, ensuring a smooth procedure.

Reasons Why Nitrous Oxide Is Ideal for Your Child?

Is Easily Administered

Having your kid go through the needle for IV sedation can be counterproductive to keep them calm while they’re afraid of injection. This is different from nitrous oxide sedation. The dentist will administer the gas through a mask, and the effects are instant.

Wears Off Quickly

You wouldn’t want a sedation method with longer effects than desired on your child. Fortunately, the calming effect of laughing gas wears off as soon as the dentist removes the breathing mask.

This differs from other dental sedation methods, like oral sedation, where the effects linger. You will have to closely monitor your child after the dental procedure, which might mean skipping school. Why go through all these while your child can go for a dental appointment and go to school the same day?

Your Child Is Awake Throughout the Procedure

Knowing that nitrous oxide will not make your child sleep once they breathe the gas is crucial. Therefore, laughing gas cannot be categorized in the sleep dentistry section. Breathing nitrous oxide makes your child relax while on the dental chair, making it easier for the dentist to perform the desired dental procedure.

So, you can choose to be with your child in the dentist’s office, and if there is any problem with the procedure, you can notice your child’s reaction. This is different from IV sedation which puts the patient to sleep. This makes it hard for you to know if there are any complications with the treatment.

Quick To Relax

When you take your child to a dental appointment, you will notice that your child will become calm in just a few seconds. Nitrous oxide is administered through a mask that the dentist will place over your child’s nose. After inhaling the gas, your kid will be soothed and relaxed, making it easier for the dentist to perform the treatment.

So you don’t have to worry about running late for work. Nitrous oxide works instantly, and you can return to your daily routine on time after your child’s dental appointment.

Has No Lingering Side Effects

Nitrous oxide is safe for people of all ages as it has no prolonged side effects. When your child breathes through the mask, they might feel light-headedness and like they cannot move. These are normal reactions to nitrous oxide that help make your kid calmer. Fortunately, the effects begin to fade once the dentist removes the mask. You can take your kid back to school an hour after this kind of sedation.

The amount Of Gas Administered Can Be Controlled.

What makes this type of sedation ideal for your kid is that the dentist can control the amount of gas administered. Because your kid will be awake throughout the procedure, the dentist can reduce the nitrous oxide gas to reduce the effects if there are any complications. This is why you should take your child to certified professionals like the ones in Wang & Cortes Dental. They will ensure that your child is safe during the treatment and prevent nitrous oxide overdose.

Our goal is to provide comprehensive dental care in Tampa, and we are accepting patients across the neighborhood including:

Click to listen highlighted text!