We frequently make use of nitrous gas, or “laughing gas,” because it is a safe and effective way to help ease many children’s anxiety about dentists. The child has the gas placed on his or her nose using a special nosepiece during dental treatment. The nitrous gas itself decreases their gag reflex, keeping the child from wanting to throw up during treatment, and enhances the numb feeling they have so the child feels more comfortable. After dental treatment, it may look like the nitrous oxide is still being administered to your child, but the gas switches to oxygen, reversing the effects of the nitrous gas. Nitrous gas is completely adjustable so that the right dose is given for every child. These features make it an ideal sedative for any patient, especially when it comes to anxious children.

Our dentists at Kids Choice Dental have years of experience using nitrous oxide. Under nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation, your child will still be awake, able to respond and breathe on their own. Our goal is to make your child feel at ease and comfortable and they will be completely safe throughout the procedure. Once the nose mask has been removed, the effects of nitrous oxide fade within seconds.