“Laughing Gas”

Many children are calm, comfortable and confident in Dr. Elliott and Dr. Molina’s pediatric dental office! Because Dr. Elliott and Dr. Molina specialize in treating children, they make them feel special.  Their office is especially designed for children and adolescents! Sometimes, however, a child feels anxious during treatment. Your child may need more support than a gentle, caring manner to feel comfortable. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a safe, effective technique that Dr. Elliott or Dr. Molina offers to calm a child’s fear of the dental visit.

 

What is nitrous oxide/oxygen?

Nitrous Oxide/oxygen is a blend of two gases – oxygen and nitrous oxide. When inhaled, it is absorbed by the body and has a calming effect. Normal breathing eliminates nitrous oxide from the body.

 

How will my child feel when breathing nitrous oxide/oxygen?

Dr. Elliott or Dr. Molina will give your child the opportunity to choose a “flavor” of air to breathe. Your child will smell this “flavored air” and experience a sense of well being and relaxation. If the sights, sounds or sensations of dental treatment worry your child, he or she may respond more positively with the use of nitrous oxide/oxygen.

 

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, then quickly eliminated by the body. Your child remains fully conscious – keeps all natural reflexes – when breathing nitrous oxide/oxygen.

 

Are there 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 Dr. Elliott Dr. Molina about any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult for your child (a common cold, asthma, sinus problems, etc.). It may limit the effectiveness of nitrous oxide/oxygen. Third, tell Dr. Elliott or Dr. Molina if your child is taking any medication on the day of the appointment.

 

Will nitrous oxide/oxygen work for all children?

Dr. Elliott and Dr. Molina knows 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 severe anxiety, nasal congestion or extensive treatment needs. Dr. Elliott and Dr. Molina have comprehensive specialty training and can offer other sedation methods that are right for your child.