Nitrous oxide, often referred to as “laughing gas”, is a mild and safe sedative that helps children stay relaxed during dental procedures. If your child is feeling anxious, oral sedation may be used. The type of sedation that is recommended will depend on the procedure that needs to be done. For minor dental work, such as fillings or crowns, nitrous oxide is usually sufficient. Nitrous oxide is considered the safest form of sedation since its effects wear off quickly and it can be easily controlled.
There are no long-term side effects in most cases. Minor side effects in a few patients include headaches and nausea. For major dental procedures, children with special needs may require general anesthesia. This way, they remain still while the dentist works on their teeth. Tom was part of the American Society of Anesthesiologists Working Group that revised the Practice Guidelines for Moderate Procedural Sedation and Analgesia.
Visiting a child-friendly pediatric dental office, such as Innovative Pediatric Dentistry, can help children feel more comfortable. If your child is receiving dental sedation with general anesthesia, your Naperville pediatric dentist will provide detailed instructions to ensurethe procedure is safe.
