Nitrous Oxide
At Big Grins Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that children can feel anxious about undergoing dental work. We also know that most kids do not yet have the maturity to understand why they need a cavity filled or another common dental procedure. Our dental team is pleased to offer nitrous oxide in Fort Collins, CO to help children receive the dental work they need without pain or anxiety.
What Should Parents Expect When Their Child Receives Nitrous Oxide?
After a patient has settled into the dental chair, we place a plastic shield on the face that contains nitrous oxide underneath it. A dentist or dental assistant then instructs the child to take a few deep breaths to introduce the nitrous oxide into the body.
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a sedative agent that quickly travels to the brain. The medication stops being effective as soon as one of our staff members removes the patient’s mask. Nitrous oxide does not put patients to sleep, but they will feel a bit groggy and relaxed. However, patients remain aware of their surroundings and can respond to our questions and requests.
Nitrous oxide has been a primary tool in pediatric dentistry for decades due to its ease of use and lack of side effects. Dr. Ecker and Dr. Evans each have extensive training and experience using nitrous oxide during dental procedures. Children remain under the constant supervision of our staff from the time they put on the mask containing nitrous oxide until after someone removes it.
When to Use Nitrous Oxide in Pediatric Dental Procedures
Any procedure that lasts longer than a typical dental cleaning could produce anxiety for children who then refuse to cooperate with the staff at Big Grins Pediatric Dentistry. Kids with special needs, such as autism or sensory processing disorder, may object to even basic dental cleanings. Parents know their children best, and our staff trusts them to know when to use nitrous oxide in Fort Collins, CO.
We are happy to answer any questions about nitrous oxide, including when it is appropriate to use it in a pediatric dental procedure. The decision of whether to follow through with using it is always up to the parents. Our staff will let parents know exactly what to expect as well as discuss other options for sedation dentistry if nitrous oxide does not appear to be a good fit.
Going without needed dental work due to fear of pain or the unknown will only cause the child’s current issue to become worse. Unfortunately, it can also set kids up for additional dental problems later on that will require even more invasive dental work like tooth extraction. We are here to help and will do everything possible to help our pediatric patients feel comfortable while in our care.
Source
Dental Nitrous Oxide – Laughing Gas – American Dental Association (mouthhealthy.org)