Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Analgesia
If nitrous oxide has been recommended for your child's restorative work.
Nitrous is a blend to two gases - oxygen and nitrous oxide. It is often used in the dental setting to help reduce anxiety. When inhaled, it has a calming effect. Your child will smell a sweet, pleasant aroma from a "Mickey Mouse" scented nose. This relaxes your child; it does not put your child to sleep. Please be assured that your child will be alert and able to communicate fully with the doctor and staff.
Complications with nitrous oxide/oxygen are extremely rare. Its analgesic or relaxing effects are completely gone approximately five minutes after it is stopped. The effect wears off with normal breathing. Each person is unique, however, and on occasion a patient may become nauseous momentarily. In order to minimize this effect, do not give your child a large meal prior to the appointment. We only use nitrous oxide analgesia when indicated to make a more successful and pleasant visit for the child. We have used nitrous oxide for over 25 years with no adverse affects. There is usually an additional fee for the use of Nitrous Oxide Analgesia.
Training visits:
There are times that we see very young children that need restorative dental work. In order to be able to treat them in the office without heavy sedation or in the operating room, we may need an extra visit to help them cooperate in the office setting. This training visit prepares your child for the sights, sounds, surroundings, and sensations of dental treatment.
It also allows the doctors to observe how your child reacts to the different aspects of treatment. This information better prepares your child for their next visit, as well as building a positive doctor patient relationship.
©Copyright The Center for Pediatric Dental Care
Center for Pediatric Dental Care * 1560 Beacon Street * Brookline, MA 02446 * 617-731-KIDS (5437)
© Center for Pediatric Dental Care - Site Design by Amy Weiss 2003