Prior to Appointment
What you should know
Some children are given nitrous oxide/oxygen, or what you may know as laughing gas, to relax them for their dental treatment. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a blend of two gases, oxygen, and nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is given through a small breathing mask that is placed over the child’s nose, allowing them to relax, but without putting them to sleep. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes this method as a very safe and effective technique to use for treating children’s dental needs. The gas is mild, effective, and quickly eliminated from the body with normal breathing. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is non-addictive and your child remains fully conscious and keeps all of his/her natural reflexes.