Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is the most common form of sedation dentistry on the market. When laughing gas is inhaled, the patient instantly feels calmer and does not experience pain.
Because it’s so easy to use, our Holland, MI emergency dentist uses laughing gas for patients of all ages with dental anxiety. Read on to learn why nitrous oxide is safe and effective.
What Is Nitrous Oxide?
Laughing gas can be used for a range of dental procedures, from teeth cleanings to fillings. However, some procedures will still require local anesthesia to manage pain. If your child has a history of dental anxiety, laughing gas may be used to help your child relax while receiving dental care.
Fast Recovery Time
We administer laughing gas via a mask we place over your child’s nose. This mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen works quickly to put your child at ease. Likewise, the calming effects of laughing gas wear off almost immediately after we remove the mask. Unlike other types of sedation dentistry, your child will be able to return to school after their appointment.
Conscious Sedation
Laughing gas is different from sleep dentistry because your child will be awake and aware during the procedure. This means that your child will be able to cooperate if our dentist needs your child to open their mouth wider or tilt their head to access a tooth. Our laughing gas dentist has the necessary training and experience to use during dental procedures.
No Unpleasant Effects
There are no side effects to laughing gas, which makes it perfectly safe for patients of all ages. In fact, adults who are given laughing gas are able to drive themselves home or return to work. Other types of (like pill sedation) require you keep your child home from school and monitor them for the rest of the day for adverse side effects. With laughing gas, you don’t have to worry about any complications.
Reduces Anxiety
Children with dental anxiety require special care so they can maintain healthy smiles and learn oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime. The more anxiety your child feels about going to the dentist, the less likely they’ll continue to practice good dental care into adulthood.
We understand that your child’s early years are crucial for forming good impressions, which is why we offer laughing gas. Laughing gas will help your child stay calm while receiving pediatric dental care.
We know from experience that many people fear the dentist because they fear losing control. Since your child will be awake and aware while being administered laughing gas, they’ll feel more in control of their treatment.
If you have any questions about laughing gas, don’t hesitate to call our office. We’re always more than happy to answer any questions you might have about your child’s dental care.
Dr. Ryan Lebster is an emergency dentist in Holland, MI. To request an appointment, call RediDental Emergency Dental Care at (616) 796-3200.
