Nitrous Oxide (continued)

How safe is nitrous oxide/ oxygen?
Very Safe. Nitrous oxide/ oxygen is perhaps the safest sedative in dentistry. It is non-addictive. It is mild, easily taken, and then quickly eliminated by the body. Your child remains fully conscious and keeps all natural reflexes when breathing nitrous oxide/ oxygen.

Are here any special instructions for nitrous oxide/oxygen?
First, give your child little or no food before the dental visit. Occasionally, nausea or vomiting occurs when a child has a full stomach. Second, tell your pediatric dentist about any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult for your child. It may limit the effectiveness of nitrous oxide/ oxygen. Third, tell your pediatric dentist if your child is taking any medication on the day of the appointment.

Will nitrous oxide/oxygen work for all children?
Pediatric dentists know that all children are not alike! Every service is tailored to your child as an individual. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is not effective for some children, especially those who have moderate or severe anxiety, nasal congestion, extensive treatment needs or discomfort wearing a nasal mask.

Pediatric dentists have comprehensive specialty training and can offer other sedation methods that are right for your child. If you have any questions regarding the use of sedation or nitrous oxide, please talk to Dr. Abrams. She will be happy to review this with you. You can also visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website at www.aapd.org.

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