Nitrous Gas

At ABC Kids Dental Group, each of our state-of-the-art treatment rooms, we offer nitrous or laughing gas to help children feel more at ease during their treatment.

What Are the Benefits of Nitrous, Or Laughing Gas?

Our dentists often make use of nitrous gas because it is a safe and effective way to help alleviate some of a child’s dental anxiety. The child has the gas placed on his or her nose using a special nosepiece. This nosepiece comes in various flavors, like strawberry, grape or bubblegum. The smell of the nitrous gas can help distract the children from the sounds and potentially uncomfortable feelings they may experience during treatment. The nitrous gas itself also decreases their gag reflex, keeping the child from wanting to throw up during treatment, and enhances the numb feeling they have, so overall they feel more comfortable.

How Does Nitrous Gas Work?

Nitrous gas, or what is commonly known as laughing gas, is a combination of nitrogen and oxygen and is administered to the patient with a fitted facial mask that goes over the child’s nose. This mask delivers the gas into the patient’s system to effectively sedate them. During the delivery of nitrous gas, children will smell a sweet aroma that will give them a sense of relaxation, similar to feeling giddy. The nitrous gas exerts its effects by raising the pain threshold and making the child feel more comfortable during the procedure. It may also appear to the child that time has moved more quickly. After the treatment, letting the child breathe in oxygen will reverse the effects of the nitrous gas.

Is Nitrous Gas or Laughing Gas Safe for Children?

Nitrous gas is potentially the safest sedative that is currently being used in the dental industry. It has a rapid onset affect so that children feel its effects almost instantaneously if they breathe through their nose. Once the treatment is completed, having the child breathe in oxygen for a couple of minutes will immediately reverse the effects of the nitrous gas. Afterwards, the child is free to go back to school or continue daily activities without feeling any residual effects. Finally, nitrous gas is completely adjustable, so that the right dose is given to every child. These features make it an ideal sedative for any patient, especially children who feel anxiety toward dental procedures.

For more information call us at 833-i-ABC-Kid (833-522-2543). or visit one of our locations in Pacoima, Sun Valley and Granada Hills.