Nitrous Oxide Dentistry

Sometimes children require more than the average dental checkup to keep their teeth healthy. If a child hasn't been to see a dentist in a while, 3 or more years, then they may have developed major problems. If your child's dentist suggests it, pediatric nitrous oxide dentistry is a safe and effective procedure. Some parents become alarmed at the thought that their child will be put to sleep for a dental procedure. That is not how nitrous oxide dentistry works, in either adults or children.

When a child comes in for a major procedure, such as a tooth capping, they may be more nervous than usual. Even the calmest child can have an issue with the sound that some dental tools make. In cases like this, your child may be given nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide doesn't put your child to sleep, it just calms them down and relaxes them so that your dentist can complete the dental work as quickly as possible. Nitrous oxide isn't for every child however. Some children who have respiratory problems, such as asthma or bronchitis, have problems breathing in the gas. Other medications can be given in such cases, or the procedure may be rescheduled if possible.