City Heights Dental Centre In Mississauga -

Nitrous Oxide

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Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide (N2O), more commonly referred to as laughing gas, is used as a local sedation method,  is a safe and effective agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax.

It is a colourless and odourless gas and it is effective because it relaxes patients with the pleasurable feelings it emits. Nitrous oxide's usefulness also originates from how quickly it works, and that its effects are completely reversible! For these and other reasons, nitrous oxide is widely considered to be a safe sedation method, especially for little children.

Some children can become anxious when they see the dentist, especially when they need a tooth fixed or taken out. As a result, they may not be able to relax or sit still long enough to receive treatment. The laughing gas is often used for children who are mildly or moderately anxious or nervous. It eases their fears so that they can relax, and become less agitated or nervous. This helps them to receive treatment in a comfortable and safe manner. 
 

Nitrous oxide is one option your dentist may offer to help make you or your child more comfortable during certain procedures. It is not intended to put you to sleep. You will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions the dentist may have. Your dentist will ask you to breathe normally through your nose, and within a few short minutes you should start to feel the effects of the nitrous  You may feel light-headed or a tingling in your arms and legs.

Some patients say their arms and legs feel heavy. Ultimately, you should feel calm and comfortable. When the gas is turned off, the effects wear off very quickly. Your dentist will give you or your child oxygen for several minutes after treatment is complete to help flush the body of any remaining gas.

Sometimes young children may reject wearing the mask, if that is the case, then nitrous oxide may not be the right type of sedation for them. In addition, nitrous oxide can sometimes make a child feel nauseous.

Our recommendation is that before a dental visit where nitrous sedation will be used, it is best to feed your child only liquids or a light meal a few hours beforehand. This will help in minimizing any nausea during the appointment, Also, if your child is congested or has trouble breathing through the nose on the day of treatment, nitrous oxide may be a little less effective, since it's difficult to breathe it in. 

Talk to our doctors at City Heights Dental to see which option works best for you or your child. 

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