Nitrous Oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” is a form of mild sedation commonly used in pediatric dentistry. Laughing gas is a great option for younger children or for patients with dental anxiety who require dental fillings, extractions, or any other invasive dental procedures. The gas is inhaled through your child’s nose and is not strong enough to put your child to sleep. When using laughing gas, your child should have less anxiety and may become giggly and slightly sedated, however, will maintain consciousness and responsiveness to the dentist. When the dental treatment is finished, your child will receive oxygen for 5 minutes and then can return to school and resume any sports or other activities as the effects wear off almost instantaneously.
