Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
A mild, breathable sedative that helps a nervous child relax while staying awake, and wears off within minutes.
Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is a mild sedative your child breathes in through a small mask over the nose. It takes the edge off worry and makes a visit feel easier, while your child stays awake, can talk to us, and can follow simple directions.
Your child wears a soft nose mask, often scented, and breathes normally. Within a few minutes most children feel relaxed, light, or a little giggly. When treatment is done, your child breathes plain oxygen for a few minutes, and the effects clear quickly.
For a child who is anxious, has a strong gag reflex, or needs a longer appointment, nitrous oxide can turn a hard visit into a manageable one. Your child stays responsive the whole time, and most children can go back to their normal day afterwards.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about nitrous oxide (laughing gas).
No. Your child stays awake and can talk to us the whole time. Nitrous oxide relaxes, it does not put children to sleep. For a child who needs to be fully asleep, we offer general anesthesia instead.
It is one of the most widely used and well-studied sedation options in pediatric dentistry. Dr. Dan Truong reviews your child's health history first and monitors your child throughout the visit.
A light meal a couple of hours beforehand is usually best, since a very full stomach can cause nausea. We will give you specific instructions when we book.
Within minutes of breathing plain oxygen at the end. Most children can go back to school or their usual routine the same day.
Not always. It works best for children who are mildly to moderately nervous and can keep the mask on. Certain health conditions or a blocked nose can rule it out. Dr. Truong will tell you whether it suits your child.