Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most frequently used method for easing mild to moderate anxiety in children. Administered through a small mask that fits over your child’s nose, it is an effective way to calm anxiety. Your child will be asked to breathe through his or her nose and not through their mouth. As the
gas begins to work, your child will become calm, although he or she will still be awake and able to talk with the dentist. At the end of your child’s appointment, he or she will resume breathing regular oxygen, and all the effects of nitrous oxide will disappear. As your child gets older and becomes more comfortable during dental visits, nitrous oxide may not be necessary.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia may be indicated for children with extensive dental needs who are extremely uncooperative, fearful, anxious or for the very young who do not understand how to cope in a cooperative fashion. General anesthesia also can be helpful for children requiring significant surgical procedures or patients having special health care needs. Even though the use of general anesthesia should be carefully considered, comprehensive dental treatment under general anesthesia has helped hundreds of our patients to lead normal, healthy lives without dental pain or infection.
For more information about this procedure, please click on the links below.
General Anesthesia Patient Information
