Nitrous oxide is an odorless, harmless gas that is safe for patients of all ages and has been used in dental practices for many years. It is a simple and easy way to help patients feel at ease when they come in to the office. In fact, many dentists prefer to use nitrous oxide when they need to sedate children. It is also useful for helping a patient overcome even mild dental anxiety so that they can relax during their appointment.
If your child feels anxious when they visit the dentist, we may suggest using nitrous oxide during the appointment. The gas itself is a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen. To administer the gas, our doctor will place a mask over your child’s nose, and your child will breathe normally. Your child will not become unconscious but will become very relaxed. They will still be able to follow directions and communicate with our dental team. The effects of the gas wear off within minutes after the mask has been removed. There are no lasting effects, and your child will be able to resume their normal activities as soon as they leave the office. Additionally, there is nothing you need to do ahead of time to prepare your child for it.
If you would like to talk to our pediatric dentists, Dr. Conway Jensen and Dr. Brian Jochim, about using nitrous oxide in Battle Ground, Washington, call A Children's Dentist at 360-666-0530 today, and a member of our team will be happy to talk with you.
