Laughing Gas for Kids
Some children can get anxious or even fearful of specific dental procedures, and going to the dentist can be stressful for them. However, many dental offices offer various sedation dentistry levels for children, which can make the entire experience more comfortable for your child. One of the most common, safest, and reliable sedation options in pediatric dentistry is the administration of nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas. For kids, this option is practical and has very few side effects. Are other forms of sedation dentistry safe for toddlers and children? Read on to find out more about your options.
Types of Sedation
Pediatric dental professionals use several types of sedation.
General anesthesia: This type of sedation generally occurs under the care of a professionally trained anesthesiologist, separate from the dentist performing the procedure. The child will be completely asleep the entire time and will feel no pain. Intubation with a breathing tube and placement of an IV occur with general anesthesia.
Deep sedation with IV: Intravenous (IV) medications help a child sleep through the procedure. An anesthesiologist or other trained professional must be present to monitor vitals while the dentist works. The child will be asleep, but still may be able to move around a little or make noises. A breathing tube is used with deep IV sedation.
Mild to moderate sedation: The dentist may use oral medications to help a child relax or make them a little sleepy. The child generally remains awake or wakes quickly if they do fall asleep. With this type of sedation, the child is responsive and able to move and respond. Usually, an anesthesiologist does not need to be present, as the dentist can administer these medications. IVs and breathing tubes will not be used with mild and moderate oral sedation.
Nitrous oxide: This gas, mixed with oxygen for the child to breathe in, creates a mild sedative effect. The nitrous oxide relaxes the child without putting them to sleep. The child may feel a little lightheaded, tingly, or experience a floating sensation. The nitrous oxide is also called "laughing gas" due to the relaxed, giggly feeling many people get from the gas, and is the least invasive type of sedation used by dentists. It is easily titrated or adjusted, depending on how a child responds to the gas. Additionally, it wears off within minutes after turning off and leaves no residual effects.
Your dentist can discuss these options with you and review the details of the procedure and your child's health history so that you can make informed choices together regarding pediatric dental sedation safety for your children.
Side Effects of Nitrous Oxide in Children's Dentistry
Nitrous oxide is very gentle and safe. However, as with any drug, some side effects are possible.
Short-term side effects: Most side effects of nitrous oxide are uncommon and occur from inhaling too much gas or frequent fluctuations. This excess can result in nausea and vomiting, sweating, shivering, and feelings of fatigue or dizziness. Side effects are generally mild and go away quickly as the sedative wears off.
Long-term side effects: Because the gas wears off quickly, there are generally no long-term side effects. If your child experiences any unusual or longer-lasting issues, contact your doctor or dentist right away.
Side effects in toddlers and children: The short-term side effects are very similar for children and may include nausea and vomiting.
The main takeaway here is that nitrous oxide is gentle and safe for adults and children. Any side effects experienced are generally mild, reversible, and go away quickly as the gas wears off. Any long-term or more severe effects usually only result from misuse or overuse of the gas.
Preparing Your Child for Nitrous Oxide
Some children may be nervous about going to the dentist, but gently sedating your child for dentistry with nitrous oxide can be an excellent option to ease their nerves. If your dentist's office uses nitrous oxide sedation for your child's procedure, the dentist or hygienist will give your child a special breathing mask to inhale the gas. Generally, they will administer the gas a few minutes before beginning any other procedure component and will continue until they have completed treatment. Dental professionals conduct routine, ongoing safety checks on vital signs to ensure your child's health and safety.
Your child should feel more calm and relaxed during the procedure, but will not go into a deep sleep, as with other sedation types. Once the nitrous oxide is turned off, your child will breathe 100% pure oxygen to help flush any residual nitrous oxide out of their lungs.
You'll be able to be in the room while your child is receiving the nitrous oxide, and often for the whole dental procedure to reassure them. It may help discuss what to expect with your child before you go in for the appointment. Use honesty and clear language to tell them exactly what will happen and why, and encourage them not to be afraid. This preparation can help quell some of your child's fears.
Fasting before the procedure is not necessary for nitrous oxide sedation like other sedation types. A light meal beforehand is allowed. No other specific preparation at home is needed.
Is Dental Sedation Safe for My Child?
The bottom line is that dental sedation, especially with nitrous oxide, is incredibly safe, even for children. Most dentists offer nitrous oxide as a treatment option for gentle sedation. It can help calm and relax your child, making their dental procedure go much more smoothly. Both you and your child will have less stress throughout their dental work.
As each child is different, your dentist will want to review your child's health history and any other concerns before the procedure. And although dental sedation is very safe, many considerations go into choosing the options for each treatment. Consult with your pediatric dentist to determine the ideal choices for your child.
Other forms of sedation– oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia have a higher risk of complication and side effects than sedation with laughing gas alone. Parents need to report a real and honest health history to your child's dentist, as individual patients may not be good candidates for the above-listed types of sedation. Additionally, your child's dentist has to be trained and certified to provide nitrous oxide or sedation. Each state requires that dentists hold a particular certificate or permit, enabling them to perform sedation procedures.
For the best pediatric dentistry in Arlington, come to Dr. Edward J Nelson, DMD. We specialize in children's dentistry and orthodontics to help guide your child through their oral health journey. Contact us for an appointment today to get started. We pride ourselves not only on our knowledge of children's needs but also on our friendly, approachable staff. We have various treatment options and work with you to determine the safest and most comfortable dental procedures for your child.