Many parents want what is best for their children and that includes experiencing a safe and fearless trip to the dentist. It is not a surprise that some children are scared of the dentist and this can mean working on their teeth is difficult. Parents everywhere wonder whether using nitrous oxide is right for their child or if they should skip it altogether.
Nitrous Oxide is commonly referred to as laughing gas or happy gas. The gas smells sweet and does not have any color. This type of gas is used to help relieve anxiety and pain in children.
How Does it Work?
Nitrous Oxide is administered by the dentist or a nurse. You will need to make sure that your child does not drink or eat prior to the procedure, typically 2 hours in advance. The gas is administered through a mask that is placed on the child’s face.
Your child will become drowsy within a few minutes after breathing the gas. The gas is given to your child until the procedure is done and it does not take long for the gas to wear off.
Risks Involved
The gas is safe to use on children and there are no signs of long term effects. The gas does not cause any long-term side effects either making it an ideal option. Sometimes children will feel dizzy or nauseous after receiving laughing gas and this is normal.
Overall
Laughing gas is a good option if your children are scared of the dentist or they need a major procedure done. The laughing gas is used in conjunction with Novocain to help reduce and eliminate as much pain as possible.
It is important for you to stay by your children and comfort them if they are scared. You can discuss the use of the Nitrous Oxide prior to your child receiving it to help lessen their fear.
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