Nitrous Oxide (Laughing gas) Sedation

Children feel debilitating anxiety and even fear about their dental appointment, and going to the dentist can beNitrous oxide sedation stressful for them. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing gas) Sedation, Your child should stand still during a prolonged operation. You can’t stop gagging when the dentist puts instruments in your mouth. All these situations may require the use of laughter gas to ensure a successful dental visit, which can make the entire experience more comfortable for your child. This sedation is not only for children but also for adults as it comes with relaxing benefits for everyone.

One of the most common, safest, and reliable options of sedation in pediatric dentistry is the administration of nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas.

What Does Laughing Gas Sedation Do?

Nitrous oxide (N2O), more commonly known as laughing gas, is a mild sedative agent that effectively and safely manages pain and anxiety during dental treatment. Colorless and odorless nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits on the nose. Patients are asked to breathe normally and should feel the effects of laughing gas within minutes. Contrary to its name, the gas of laughter does not make you laugh. Nitrous oxide slows down your nervous system so you feel less inhibited. You can feel dizziness, tingly, or even heaviness in your arms or legs. In the end, you need to be calm and comfortable throughout the procedure. You could even laugh once or twice.

Why do we choose laughing gas sedation?

Dentists choose nitrous oxide because it is a safe and effective method for sedation. The laughing gas works quickly to relax patients, and the effects wear off quickly by breathing pure oxygen through a mask. Plus, nitrous oxide does not put you to sleep, so you can hear and respond to any of the dentist’s questions or instructions.

Procedures That Need Laughing Gas Sedation

As stated above, laughing gas can be used for extensive procedures as well as small check-ups for kids and patients who are afraid of the treatment. It is most commonly used while conducting root canals, dental implants, tooth fillings, veneers, porcelain crowns, and wisdom tooth extractions.

It helps in keeping the kids in the chair for a longer duration and works best for people who are scared of needles and dental procedures. It is beneficial for treating people who are unable to keep their mouths wide open for the entire duration of the procedure.

Also, it is recommended for those who have a hypersensitive gag reflex as the dentist needs to insert his instruments in the mouth.

What is Laughing Gas Used For?

The use of nitrous oxide / laughing gas for these indications:

  • Patients who are fearful, anxious, or uncooperative
  • Patients with special health care needs
  • Patients with gag reflexes that interfere with dental care
  • Patients who do not respond adequately to local anesthesia
  • Younger patients/children who must undergo lengthy dental procedures

Precautions While Using Laughing Gas

Kids or adults should not eat anything for two hours before the sedation to avoid nausea afterward. The last meal should be light and can consist of soup and toast, which is easily digested.

If the child feels nauseated after the removal of the nosepiece, then he/she must be given some water or juice to drink to feel better. Not everyone can undergo the laughing gas sedation.

People who have a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency or cobalamin deficiency should inform the dentist about these ailments. Such patients should not use laughing gas for sedation. Also, pregnant women who are in their first trimester should avoid the use of nitrous oxide gas

Laughing gas can be a useful tool for easing anxiety and pain during dental procedures. If you think you suffer a lot of pain and uneasiness at a time of dental treatment then you should visit us for nitrous oxide sedation treatment. We at Av children and multispeciality clinic provide laughter gas sedation treatment with the Best pediatric dentist in Aundh, Pune.