We know that the dentist’s office isn’t exactly most kids’ favorite place to visit. But if your son or daughter struggles with nervousness, anxiety, or even fear when they have an appointment coming up, it could point to a serious problem. At Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our experienced team members do their best to create an accommodating, soothing atmosphere for even the youngest patients. However, we understand that this alone might not be enough for some children. For this reason, we offer sedation options to help them relax in the dentist’s chair. Call us today to learn more about how sedation dentistry for kids in our Nashua, NH dental office can help your little one!
Chances are you’ve heard of nitrous oxide by its nickname: laughing gas! This mild sedative is safe, fast-acting, and effective, making it perfect for patients of all ages. If your child experiences dental anxiety or needs extensive dental work, then don’t hesitate to ask our team about this calming solution. You’re also welcome to learn more about it by reading on.
Countless studies have concluded that nitrous oxide is incredibly safe for patients of all ages, including children. Most often, it’s recommended for patients who:
Of course, there are some exceptions, including those who have trouble breathing through their nose. Don’t worry – we will review all of the factors that influence candidacy during your child’s appointment, and we will learn all about their medical history, allergies, and dental needs in the process. That way, you can have peace of mind knowing that your child will be safe and comfortable in the treatment chair.
Once your child gets settled in the dental chair, we’ll place a comfortable mask over their nose. Within minutes of inhaling this odorless, colorless gas, they’ll feel leaps and bounds calmer while remaining aware of their surroundings. During their procedure, they’ll be able to answer our questions, respond to our requests, and let us know how they’re feeling. At the end of their treatment, we will turn off the nitrous oxide, and the effects will begin to dissipate almost instantly.
As a parent, you’ll be pleased to know that nitrous oxide wears off very quickly after treatment. That means that your child can return to school once they’re done at our dental office! We will provide you with aftercare instructions at this time, including having your child wait to eat until the numbing agents wear off and rinsing their mouth with a mixture of salt and warm water to prevent infection. As always, our Nashua pediatric dental team is here to answer any questions you have even after you leave our office.
No, nitrous oxide does not put the patient to sleep. If we determine that this calming solution is ideal for your child, they will remain fully awake (and completely relaxed) during their time in the treatment chair. Not only does this allow them to ask questions during their visit, but it also makes it easy for them to respond to the cues we give them.
It’s very rare for patients to experience nausea with nitrous oxide sedation since it’s so mild. That said, if your child is prone to feeling nauseous, we may recommend scheduling their visit first thing in the morning and having them fast in the hours prior.
Since nitrous oxide is commonly referred to as laughing gas, many parents expect their children to be overly giddy. However, it’s much more likely that they will feel utterly relaxed and at-ease. In fact, it’s not uncommon for our patients to doze off in the treatment chair. If that happens, we can easily wake them. Or, we can let them sleep while we work to maintain, restore, or enhance their smile!
Since sedation dentistry is considered a “luxury” by many dental insurance providers, it isn’t typically covered. That said, there are some exceptions. For example, if your child needs extensive care, like multiple tooth extractions, their provider may cover a portion of the cost. It’s also common for providers to cover nitrous oxide if the patient has a disability, like cerebral palsy, that makes it virtually impossible for them to get the care they need without it.
One of the many perks of nitrous oxide sedation is that the effects dissipate within a matter of minutes. So, you don’t have to worry about your child experiencing lingering grogginess – they will be back to their usual selves by the end of their visit! They can even go back to school immediately after (as long as the care they received doesn’t require them to go home and rest instead, of course).
Many parents wonder if nitrous oxide is really worth it, especially if their dental insurance doesn’t cover the cost. If your child struggles with dental-related anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, or they need extensive restorative care, the answer is “yes!” After all, this calming solution ensures they can relax comfortably throughout their visit, so they get the care they need while also creating a more positive association with the dentist.
