Laughing Gas in Stratford

There is a way for children to be calm and have a better experience with dental procedures. We all know that children are often fearful and anxious over dental procedures. Going to the dentist can be stressful for them. They may even panic when they arrive at a dental office.

Fortunately, sedation dentistry is very helpful in calming children and making the entire experience more comfortable. One of the safest types of dental sedation is nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas.

Laughing gas, mixed with oxygen, creates a relaxing effect but does not cause the child to fall asleep. Children may feel lightheaded, experience a floating sensation, and have a happier mood. Laughing gas relaxes an anxious child, and takes the edge off so he, or she, is calmer during the dental procedure.

Laughing gas eliminates a sense of time to help children, with short attention spans, during extensive dental treatment. They will not be as anxious or feel the need to move around.

Laughing gas can be easily controlled. The dentist, or a dental assistant, can adjust the amount of gas the child needs. Because laughing gas wears off so quickly, the side effects are low. The child breathes oxygen for a few minutes at the end of treatment so that all the laughing gas leaves their body.

Parents should make sure their child does not have a full stomach as laughing gas can cause nausea and vomiting in a small percentage of kids if they have a big meal before their appointment.

Parents may be wondering if laughing gas actually makes kids laugh. That only happens in a very small percentage of kids.

If your child needs a dental procedure that involves drilling or extractions, you may want to consider laughing gas. Please call our office and make an appointment with the dentist to go over your child’s dental condition and what procedure your child may need. Call us today!