Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide: Gentle Sedation for Pediatric Dentistry
Nitrous oxide, known as “laughing gas,” is a very safe, inexpensive means of mild sedation. When used in pediatric dentistry, it helps most children relax and sometimes even “laugh” through dental procedures.
Dentists have used nitrous oxide for over 100 years as a mild sedative and to relieve discomfort and anxiety. It is safe for use with children, especially for those who are anxious in the dental office.
Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas, with a very gentle effect. The child receives it in combination with oxygen via a disposable small soft mask over the nose. The child then breathes normally through the nose.
How Nitrous Oxide Works
Nitrous oxide helps the child to feel relaxed, happy and comfortable within three minutes. It does not affect heart rate, and has no ill effects on the brain, lungs and kidneys. The low solubility in blood and other tissues makes nitrous oxide the fastest “in/out” anesthetic agent available.
When the procedure is complete, the nitrous oxide is turned off. Breathing pure oxygen for about five minutes clears out any remaining nitrous oxide. The gas is quickly eliminated from the body. The euphoric effects go away in a few minutes, so there is little recovery time.
Nitrous oxide has limited side effects. The most common side effect of nitrous oxide is nausea and vomiting, which can be mostly avoided by carefully monitoring the child for early ill effects.
Dr. Sara Babich recommends not eating for two hours before the visit to help reduce nausea.
Scientific study
Recently, The European Society of Anesthesiology Task Force on Nitrous Oxide reviewed the role of nitrous oxide in clinical pediatric dental practice.
Their findings noted that “nitrous oxide can be efficiently used for procedural sedation in the pediatric population for a variety of procedures of light to moderate pain intensity.”* The Task Force concluded that “no major adverse effects have been reported with nitrous oxide administration.”
*Source: British Journal of Anaesthesia (volume 122, pages 587-604, 2019)
Pediatric Dentistry: Dr. Sara B. Babich, DDS
116 E 84th St
New York, NY 10028
(84th St. btw Park Ave / Lex Ave)
☎ 212-988-4070
Contact us today to learn more about our New York City pediatric dentistry practice
212.988.4070
Dr. Sara is a hospital and university trained specialist in pediatric dentistry. For over 20 years Dr. Sara offers the most advanced scientifically based and clinically proven treatments for kids & teens.
Dr. Sara Babich is a member of:
- Dental Study Club of New York
- New York Academy of Dentistry
- The American Dental Association
- The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
- The New York Dental Association
- The New York County Dental Society
Dr. Sara has privileges at Lenox Hill Hospital. As a leading NYC pediatric dentist she provides the most technologically advanced, safest and time-tested treatments on Manhattan's Upper East Side.
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Dr. Sara Babich
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My daughter can be extremely anxious at the dentist and Dr. Sara immediately put her at ease. She is patient, caring and got the job done while making sure my daughter was comfortable every step of the way. We love Dr. Sara and the entire staff. Thank you for such an amazing experience.
Marilyn Zarabi
Parent