Safety and Benefits of Nitrous Oxide Sedation for Kids.

When a child fears going to the dentist, nitrous oxide can help ease their anxiety and improve their communication ability. One of the many benefits of nitrous oxide sedation is that it also performs well for kids whose gag reflex prevents them from getting x-rays or dental checkups.

Using nitrous gas during a dental visit can assist your child in receiving the dental care required to maintain dental health. Your child is still totally conscious and has not lost any of their normal responses and reactions. They can still reply to inquiries and requests.

Safety of Nitrous Oxide Sedation for Kids

Nitrous oxide, also referred to as laughing gas, is a sedative gas. In contrast to its name, nitrous oxide does not make people laugh out loud; instead, it has a relaxing effect that makes patients more comfortable during dental treatment or oral surgery.

You can react to the dentist's questions and follow instructions because you are still conscious during the treatment as the patient. However, you may not recall the operation or experience any pain. One can be assured of the safety of nitrous oxide usage for kids by the following:
"The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation as a safe and effective technique to reduce anxiety, produce analgesia, and enhance communication between a patient and health care provider."

Benefits of Nitrous Oxide Sedation for Kids

• Patients who experience severe anxiety before visiting the dentist should consider nitrous oxide as a treatment option. This approach helps ease anxiety and fears related to visiting the dentist because delaying treatment or dental procedures can harm your tooth in the long term. It can eventually help to relieve stress about visiting the dentist and plan regular sessions.
• Nitrous oxide quickly loses its effect. Since it is a gas, the patient usually rapidly regains consciousness once the gas supply is off.
• Nitrous oxide is secure and straightforward to use. No pre-medication or other painful procedures are required because it is given to the child through a little mask to wear over their nose, and as they usually breathe, they inhale nitrous oxide through their lungs.
• The scent is light and pleasant, making your child feel calm and at ease. It is frequently referred to as "laughing gas" since it may cause dizziness or pleasure.
• Children can safely consume this gas, and occasional use has no adverse long-term effects or consequences. 
• While being sedated with nitrous oxide, some kids get sick or vomit. There may be additional adverse effects, but they are often mild and pass rapidly. If these issues arise, the person caring for your kid will be able to handle them. 
• Relieves severe pain and helps time seem to pass quickly 
• Reduces fear related to dental treatment 

Final Thoughts

Once the anesthesia wears off, your child may feel sleepy, disoriented, upset, or ill. These symptoms are common following an anesthetic and will disappear as the anesthetic wears off. After undergoing light sedation, a child may have to spend time in the recovery room before being released. Because nitrous gas wears off quickly, the child can usually return home immediately.

Contact your Stockton dentist for kids, Dr. Sajjad Rizvi DDS at Happy Kids Dental, to learn about the safety and benefits of Nitrous Oxide Sedation for Kids.

Resource:

Pediatric Dentist - Nitrous Oxide for Children's

If you want the best possible aftercare, discuss the sedation procedure with your doctor or dentist and follow their instructions. This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition .