Does a Kid Friendly Dentist in Marietta Use Nitrous Oxide and/or Oxygen?
A kid-friendly dentist may recommend sedation for young patients who may be experiencing dental anxiety. Nitrous oxide is one of the major types of sedation that dentists provide. Nitrous oxide and oxygen have been used in dental treatments for several decades. It is a safe process that helps to minimize a child’s stress level during and after a dental procedure. Parents are worried about their child’s safety when it comes to using nitrous oxide and oxygen, which is why it can be beneficial to continue reading to know what is involved.
Overview of nitrous oxide as a sedative
Nitrous oxide, popularly known as “laughing gas,” is the mildest method of sedation available for dental treatments. Therefore, it is more commonly used for children. It can be managed easily and does not have any effect on heart rate or adverse effects on the lungs, heart, liver or any major organ. Nitrous oxide is odorless, and when used with oxygen, does not interfere with regular breathing in any way. The margin of nitrous oxide to oxygen is like 30 percent to 70 percent, so the effect is mild.
If a child needs nitrous oxide, the kid-friendly dentist will fit a small mask over their nose and ask them to breathe as usual. If the child is okay wearing the soft mask and breathing through the nose, they will have no issue with the nitrous oxide. Since nitrous oxide poses no threat and the usage is easy, the kid-friendly dentist can use it for regular cleaning if the child feels anxious or has had an unpleasant experience at the dentist’s office in the past. However, it is mostly used for more serious procedures, like filling tooth cavities.
The effects of nitrous oxide
After administration, the child will feel relaxed, happy and at ease without getting too drowsy. The name “laughing gas” is derived from patients feeling a bit giddy and cheery. The child will still be able to understand and respond to the kid-friendly dentist’s instructions throughout the process. Their hands and legs may feel slightly heavy, but they can still move around. The effects of nitrous oxide disappear only a few minutes after taking off the mask, so there is almost no recovery time needed before the child gets back to normal.
Nitrous oxide does not take away sensation completely – it only minimizes pain and eases a child’s concerns about the procedure. In addition to the laughing gas, the kid-friendly dentist will also use a local anesthetic to numb the child’s mouth if an invasive or complex dental treatment is required. This will keep the child completely comfortable.
Final thoughts
If a child is worried about visiting the dental office or coming for a dental procedure, the kid-friendly dentist will try to explain in friendly terms what treatment will be done and how the nitrous oxide will help put them at ease. Before the treatment starts, parents and their kids need to feel comfortable and prepared. In most cases, nitrous oxide can make children look forward to revisiting the dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.greatsmiledentistmarietta.com or call Great Smile Dental at (770) 565-1010 for an appointment in our Marietta office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Dental Visit – Dental Checkup And Cleaning
Getting a dental checkup is one of the essential steps in your oral care routine. But you might wonder what you can expect during a checkup and cleaning. That way, you can make a more informed decision for your health. Keep reading to learn more about what the procedure involves.The dental hygienist and dentist will…
Learning About Teeth Brushing At Your Next Dental Checkup
The next time you go in for a dental checkup, talk to your dentist specifically about brushing. As a child, your parents probably taught you to brush your teeth after every meal. However, they might not have shared much information as to why. After talking to your dentist, you will gain some invaluable insight. By…
Common Myths About Dental Checkups
Most people grow up believing certain myths about dental checkups. Online information can also be misleading when it comes to dental healthcare. As innovations in dental health continue to surface, most of these falsities are debunked. Below are some of the common dental checkup myths and the truth behind each of them.Fact: Firm or medium-bristled…
Why You Need A Dental Checkup
A lot of things people do in life are either taught or habit, including getting a dental checkup. For instance, some individuals go once a year because that is what a parent taught them to do. Others might not see a dentist for several years simply because it has become a bad habit. However, having…