Dr. Seth DeJean is a pediatric sedation dentist. If your child is anxious, nitrous oxide sedation could help them through the experience.
What Is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide, which is also called laughing gas, is a colorless gas with a barely detectable sweet smell, and it’s administered in combination with oxygen. It reduces anxiety, makes the novocain more effective, and helps your child feel detached from their dental experience. It produces a sleepy and calming effect and may give a sense of euphoria.
Since it is a gas, it enters your system quickly and also wears off quickly. It has an excellent safety profile, and there are no cautions needed before or after.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
We can administer nitrous oxide through a small mask that covers your child’s nose. When they breathe in, the nitrous oxide enters their lungs. Most kids don’t mind nitrous oxide, and many report a floating feeling or warm sensation.
At the end of treatment, the flow of nitrous oxide is stopped, and only oxygen is delivered. This rapidly clears the sedating gas from your child’s lungs. After about two minutes, all the effects will have worn off.
Who Needs a Sedation Dentist?
Many kids don’t need sedation during dental work. For most children, gently administered local anesthesia is all they need. However, your child may need a sedation dentist if they:
- Are very anxious about their dental appointment
- Are very afraid of needles
- Have autism
- Have complex medical needs
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
- Need a lot of dental work done in one appointment
Pediatric Sedation Safety
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes nitrous oxide as safe and effective for children. Our staff will monitor your child’s vital signs throughout the procedure.
Nitrous oxide is milder than other forms of sedation, such as IV sedation or general anesthesia. When sedated with nitrous oxide, children can still hear and respond to commands. They can also cough and reposition themselves to breathe better, just like you do when asleep.
To make an appointment at Louisiana Dental Group and learn whether sedation dentistry is right for your child, please call us at (337) 984-3046. You can also fill out our appointment request form, and we will call you to schedule an appointment. We treat patients ages 1 through 20 with Medicaid insurance.