If your child is unable to safely receive the care they need, Dr. Jon Chay and Dr. Martha Hendrix are trained in providing nitrous oxide sedation.
Pediatric Dental Sedation
It’s completely normal for kids to feel nervous about going to the dentist, especially for those first few visits or if they require treatment. That’s why, at Oak Tree Pediatric Dentistry, our Greenville children’s dentists use a variety of behavior management techniques to reduce anxiety and help patients relax. If these techniques don’t work and your child is still extremely anxious, our office is equipped to offer mild sedation with nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas.
Laughing gas for kids can also be useful to enable patients to safely get necessary care if they have certain special health care needs or are very young and require extensive treatment. Dr. Jon Chay and Dr. Martha Hendrix will discuss your child’s health history and situation, as well as the pros and cons of sedation to help you make an informed decision.
Benefits of
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Safe
Nitrous oxide is safe, mild and wears off quickly. Your child will be awake and able to respond to commands while sedated.
Relaxing
Laughing gas dulls discomfort and relaxes patients, making treatment more effective and less stressful.
Helpful for a Range of Patients
It can be a good option for a range of patients, including those with anxiety, severe gag reflexes or certain special health care needs.
Laughing Gas for Kids
Nitrous oxide has been used in dentistry for over a century! It’s still used today because it’s safe, has very few side effects and wears off quickly. When being sedated, your child will breathe in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a small mask that covers their nose. Within a few minutes, they’ll feel calm, euphoric, tingly and a little bit silly.
Once your kiddo is comfortable, Dr. Chay or Dr. Hendrix will perform the necessary treatment. Your child will remain awake the entire time and will be able to hear, answer questions and respond to directions. When the procedure is finished, we’ll deliver pure oxygen through the mask for several minutes. This will flush out any residual nitrous oxide. Since the effects of the laughing gas wear off in minutes, your child can return to school, daycare or regular activities after their appointment.
1844
Nitrous oxide was first used in a dental setting in 1844.
2 to 3
Nitrous oxide typically takes effect within two to three minutes and wears off just as fast.
#1
In dentistry, nitrous oxide is the most common inhaled anesthetic used to control patient anxiety and pain.
