Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas), for Children

Fortunately, many, if not most, children tolerate routine dental procedures well without the need for sedation or anesthesia. However, children who have extreme levels of decay, are too young to cooperate during treatment or have other special needs may be candidates for nitrous oxide anesthesia (laughing gas). The use of nitrous oxide is a personal choice by the parent. Our doctors may even vary in their decisions about the use of nitrous oxide. This diversity allows for more options for parents.

Ultra-light sedation with nitrous oxide is a behavior management technique that assists a child in coping with fear and anxiety and cooperating with dental treatment. Children may benefit from the relaxing effect of nitrous oxide during an otherwise difficult appointment, allowing them to have a more pleasant experience.

Nitrous oxide is extremely safe. When your child is breathing nitrous oxide, they are receiving more oxygen than they are getting in room air!

Nitrous oxide helps a child who is cooperative but worried about various aspects of their appointment. It isn’t for everyone. It requires a certain amount of cooperation from the child, as he/she is required to breathe only through a plastic apparatus placed over the nose. If the child is too young or too anxious to sit in a chair and breathe through a nose-piece, nitrous oxide is not an option.

Occasionally, a child may become nauseated from nitrous oxide; therefore, we ask that your child not eat for one hour the dental appointment.