Nitrous Oxide Q&AVisalia, CA

Nitrous Oxide Q&A

What is nitrous oxide?

Nitrous oxide is a clear, mildly sweet-smelling gas used in dentistry procedures for patients of all ages. It's a natural fit for pediatric dentistry procedures because the nitrous oxide relaxes your child completely without putting them to sleep. Nitrous oxide is reliable, safe, and effective. Medical field professionals have used it for around a century.

What kind of procedures might require nitrous oxide?

At Visalia Dentistry 4 Kids, Dr. Sandhu or Dr. Shergill recommends nitrous oxide for procedures that children feel anxious or scared about. The procedures that many children have nitrous oxide for include composite fillings, tooth extractions, and children's root canals.

Is my child a good candidate for dental nitrous oxide?

If your child feels so anxious about dental treatments that it’s difficult or impossible for the dentist to perform necessary care, nitrous oxide may be the ideal solution. But, not every child is an ideal candidate.

You will want to give Dr. Sandhu or Dr. Shergill your child’s full medical history, as well as a complete list of all current and past medications, before they undergo nitrous oxide treatment. Most kids with dental anxiety are great candidates for nitrous oxide, but in the unlikely situation that your child isn’t a good candidate, and we can then create another plan to keep your child comfortable during their procedure at Visalia Dentistry 4 Kids.

How does a dentist administer nitrous oxide?

Dr. Sandhu or Dr. Shergill places a small mask lightly over your child's nose. As your child breathes in, they inhale a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. It only takes a few minutes for kids to relax significantly. Many children say they feel a floating sensation, or that their hands and feet feel tingly.

If your child needs local anesthesia, Dr. Sandhu or Dr. Shergill administers the shot after they fully relax. During the procedure, Dr. Sandhu or Dr. Shergill can adjust the nitrous oxide level if needed to keep your child feeling perfectly relaxed but still awake enough to speak and respond to questions.

After Dr. Sandhu or Dr. Shergill completes the procedure, he decreases the nitrous oxide and increases the oxygen until your child is breathing only oxygen. The effects of the nitrous oxide wear off quickly, and many children don’t even remember their dental procedure afterward.

If your child has an extraction, children’s root canal, or composite filling scheduled, nitrous oxide can help them get through it feeling fully relaxed. Call Visalia Dentistry 4 Kids to learn more today at (559) 733-4470