in the form of aughing gas can help your child relax while they are seen by our staff and Hudsonville pediatric dentists. Being in a calmer state allows them to get the care they need while we work and no longer feel nervous or afraid about where they are. All your child has to do is sit back and be at ease until their visit is over!
Here’s what you need to know about this light sedation method.
Benefits of Laughing Gas
Laughing gas has long been recognized as safe for children of all ages, from toddlers to teens by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). Since laughing gas is quick to wear off, your child will be able to return to school after their appointment. This is different from other types of sedation, like IV sedation, general anesthesia, or even some forms of oral conscious (pill) sedation, that would require you to keep your child home and monitored for the rest of the day.
When administered, laughing gas:
- Reduces
- Relieves mild pain
- Works quickly (effects are felt within 3-5 minutes)
- Is short-acting (back to normal 5-10 minutes after gas flow is stopped)
- Doesn’t require the use of needles or injections
What Your Child Can Expect
During the procedure, one of our pediatric dentists will gently place a mask over your child’s nose. As your child breathes in the laughing gas mixed with oxygen, they’ll start to feel more relaxed. Some patients feel euphoric and may giggle a little, which is how got its name.
During the procedure, your child will still be alert and awake during the procedure as the gas is not meant to fully put patients to sleep. Because of this, they’ll be able to cooperate with our pediatric dentists and the rest of our team. For example, we may need them to open their mouth slightly wider so we can access a back tooth.
We can use laughing gas for any procedure inside our Hudsonville, MI, pediatric dental office, even for something as minor as a teeth cleaning. Yet, keep in mind that we may need to use local anesthesia in addition to the laughing gas for more intensive procedures. This is because laughing gas is a mild sedative and while it does raise the threshold at which pain is felt, it’s not strong enough for all treatment.
Ask About Laughing Gas Today
Our pediatric dentists in Hudsonville, MI, may recommend the use of laughing gas to ensure a positive, comfortable dental experience for your child. To schedule an appointment with Hudsonville Dental Kids and learn more about this option, call (616) 209-4039.