In addition to your child’s home oral hygiene habits, their regular dental appointments are equally as important to developing and maintaining healthy teeth. However, getting them to go to the dentist can be bit difficult if they do not like the dental office. Despite the dentist’s efforts, sometimes a child’s dislike for their appointments is unavoidable. No matter if they fear the environment or a procedure, they still need to go every six months. To make the visit more comfortable and less stressful for them, sedation can help them relax.
Help Your Child Relax with Nitrous Oxide
The thought of having your child sedated is scary for any parent; however, with nitrous oxide, you and your child have nothing to fear. Better known as “laughing gas,” the inhaled sedative makes them feel as though they are being wrapped in a warm blanket. It is safe and effective without causing any harmful side effects.
What You Can Expect
Your child will need to fast for at least two hours before to their appointment. Prior to administering the sedation, you will need to give your children’s dentist consent to use it during the dental procedure.
A mask will be placed over their nose and mouth, allowing them to inhale the colorless, odorless gas. Within a few seconds, they will become completely at ease and relaxed. However, vomiting can occur in some cases, so do not be alarmed. To ensure your child’s safety, we closely monitor their breathing and may administer oxygen through a mask as well.
While your child is sedated, they may fall asleep as they reach a high level of relaxation. Many report to feel warm and tingly, but they will not feel any pain or discomfort when it is combined with a local anesthetic. In some cases, they may not even remember the dental appointment.
Recovery Process
After the procedure is complete, the effects of the sedative will wear off quickly. Some children may feel a bit nauseated, but this wears off quickly. It is best to give them clear liquids, such as diluted fruit juice or Jell-O. It is advised that an adult supervises them at all times for the next eight hours.
Although complications with nitrous oxide are rare, it is important to call your dentist right away if your child vomits more than twice in the first hour after the procedure. If you have any additional questions about the recovery process, do not hesitate to call the dental office.
Choose a Stress-Free Appointment
If your child suffers from dental fears or anxieties, ask their dentist about the use of nitrous oxide during their appointment for a stress-free visit.
About Dr. Shelly Strohman
For more than 13 years, Dr. Shelly Strohman has provided comfortable, comprehensive care for patients of all ages. As a mother, she understands that children have unique comfort levels. She caters to young patients to help them feel at ease while in the office. If your child is fearful of the dentist, contact us today to learn more about sedation dentistry.