Nitrous “Laughing Gas”
Some children are so afraid of going to the dentist that their anxiety prevents them from receiving the services they need. Other kids have special needs, making it challenging to follow a dentist’s prompts during an appointment. If either of these situations applies to your child, we are happy to let you know that we offer nitrous oxide “laughing gas” in Atlanta, GA.
What is Nitrous Oxide?
Commonly referred to as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a colorless, short-acting sedative that helps calm your child’s nerves and improve their ability to cooperate during a dental cleaning or other procedure. Laughing gas is entirely safe, and dentists and medical providers have used it since the mid-1800s. Your child may feel one or more of the effects listed below after inhaling nitrous oxide:
- A feeling of heaviness, like they are sinking further into the exam chair
- Calm
- Happy
- Giggly
- Light-headed
- Mildly euphoric
- Tingling sensation in the arms and legs
Your child receives nitrous oxide through a hard plastic mask with a tube attached to it. As your son or daughter breathes in, the laughing gas slows down their central nervous system to help them feel more relaxed. The sensation wears off several minutes after the appointment is over. Your child’s dentist and at least one dental assistant monitor them for several minutes after turning off the laughing gas delivery system to ensure they are fine to go home.
You No Longer Have to Put Off Your Child’s Dental Appointments
If you have avoided scheduling a cleaning and exam or another procedure for your child due to their anxiety or special needs, we can help. Please reach out to request that we use nitrous oxide “laughing gas” in Atlanta, GA, for their next appointment.
