My child is afraid of going to the dentist. My family dentist referred my child to a pediatric dentist to have the dental work done with nitrous-oxide sedation. What is nitrous-oxide sedation?

Many children feel more calm and comfortable at the pediatric dental office. The environment, the dentist and the staff are geared to handle children with care and gentle approach. However, sometimes a child may need more than that to coop with the anxiety that caused by dental procedures. In that case, Nitrous-Oxide (laughing gas) – Oxygen sedation may be considered. When inhaled, Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen (N2O-O2) gases are absorbed by the body and calm the child. N2O-O2 helps the child to be less sensitive to the sights, sounds or sensation of the dental procedure. It is easily removed from the body by normal breathing. It is not general anesthesia. Your child remains awake but sedated. N2O-O2 is not for every one. It may not be effective if the child has nasal congestion, or sever anxiety, or discomfort wearing, or breathing a nose mask. Your pediatric dentist should be able to evaluate the need of your child.  more