Conscious Sedation
Treatment under Inhalation Sedation Laughing Gas "Nitrous Oxide"
Children often feel worried or frightened when visiting the dentist and receiving treatment. We find that one of the best and safest ways to lessen their fear is to carry out dental treatment under ‘inhalation sedation’, which is often referred to as ‘laughing gas’ or ‘Nitrous Oxide’.
Conscious sedation at Appolonia is provided by a highly skilled team that includes sedation-trained children’s dentists and nurses. So, parents can rest assured that their children will receive the highest level of care with us.
Laughing gas is a type of conscious sedation technique that clinically proven to be safe and effective to manage pain and anxiety. Nitrous Oxide is mild enough to keep a patient conscious and strong enough to suppress pain during treatments.
Laughing gas has no odor and is inhaled through a mask that is placed over the nose before the treatment. Nitrous Oxide works quickly, and its effects are reversible. All you need to do is breathe normally and you will feel the effects within a few minutes. In order to make it more acceptable to your child we have a variety of disposable nasal masks in deferent scents favorable to children such as strawberry, bubble gum, orange and vanilla. Throughout the procedure the dentist is able maintain a verbal communication with the patient
When is it appropriate to use nitrous oxide inhalation for children?
- A fearful, or anxious, patient
- Certain patients with special health care needs
- A patient whose gag reflex interferes
- A cooperative child undergoing a lengthy dental procedure
The Inhalation Sedation Process
- On the day of inhalation sedation, we will reiterate the process and discuss any concerns you may have.
- We place a small mask over your child’s nose, through which they breathe a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. After a few minutes, your child should start to feel more relaxed. We appreciate that your child may not like wearing the mask, so we will work with them to alleviate their fears by showing them the mask and providing them with one to practice wearing beforehand.
- Your child will recover from the effects of the nitrous oxide very quickly once their dental treatment has been completed. They will be observed for a brief period following the sedation.
