Nitrous Gas

Most children feel comfortable when visiting the dentist. Early
exposure to the dentist helps younger patients to associate the dental
office with feeling of relaxation. Some children however, may feel
nervous before their visit or while sitting in the dental chair.
Sometimes they need more than gentle care to feel relaxed. Nitrous gas
is a safe sedative used to help your child relax during the dental visit
while allowing the doctor to effectively treat your child.

Nitrous gas is a blend of oxygen and nitrous oxide. Before the procedure
a fitted mask is placed over your child’s nose and as they breathe, the
blend is absorbed through the lungs. At the end of the treatment, the
nitrous gas is removed and has no lingering effects. One of the side
effects during treatment is a sense of contentment and relaxation one of
the reasons why nitrous gas is also known as “laughing gas.”

The use
of nitrous gas is very safe as it is rapidly absorbed, is reversible,
and can be adjusted in concentration. Your child is fully conscious and
keeps all of their natural reflexes while absorbing the nitrous gas. If
you live in or around Irvine and are interested in learning more about the use of nitrous gas during
your child’s visits, or in other alternatives, please contact our
offices to answer any of your questions or schedule an appointment to
find out if nitrous gas is a suitable option for your child.

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