The Use of Nitrous
Oxide in the Dental Office
Dental appointments can be scary at any age, often times
they prove to be especially frightening for children. In a picture-perfect
world, every child would look forward to their dental appointments, but unfortunately,
we do not live in an idealistic world where all children are eager to visit the
dentist. In fact, often times children experience anxiety and are fearful or
worried before a dental appointment. Dr. Matt understands that your child may
not share our team’s enthusiasm for their oral health. The good news is, we now
offer nitrous oxide sedation which aids in relieving any anxiety your child may
experience. Thus making his/her dental visits less stressful for both you and
your child.
Nitrous oxide is a type of dental analgesia used by dentists
across the country to alleviate anxiety associated with dental procedures. Also known as ‘laughing gas,’ nitrous oxide
is highly effective for giving children a sense of comfort and/or happiness
during their dental experience. Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas that has a
sweet scent. It is administered by inhalation through the nose.. With informed
consent from a patient’s parent(s), Dr. Matt will administer and manage nitrous
oxide throughout your child’s dental procedure, if indicated. While breathing
nitrous oxide, the patient responds normally to verbal commands, all vital
signs are stable, there is no significant risk of losing protective reflexes,
and the patient is able to return to pre-procedure mobility. Pictured below is
an example of a nosepiece that would be used to administer nitrous oxide.
Nitrous oxide sedation isn’t only for anxious children. In
fact, nitrous oxide is an excellent option for children whose fear or anxiety
would otherwise prevent them from receiving dental care. It is also appropriate
for many other reasons, too. For example, a child who has a sensitive gag
reflex may feel physically uncomfortable during a necessary dental procedure.
In this case, nitrous oxide would likely be indicated to aid in the completion
of treatment. Nitrous oxide sedation
would also likely be indicated for children who have emotional or behavioral
disorders that make it nearly impossible to remain still in the dental chair
throughout their dental visit. Additionally, children with certain health
conditions or special needs can also benefit from nitrous oxide sedation.
In accordance with
the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) the objectives of nitrous
oxide inhalation include:
• reduce or
eliminate anxiety;
• reduce untoward
movement and reaction to dental treatment;
• enhance
communication and patient cooperation;
• raise the pain
reaction threshold;
• increase
tolerance for longer appointments;
• aid in treatment
of the mentally/physically disabled or medically compromised patient;
• reduce gagging;
• potentiate the
effect of sedatives
Although some parents are reluctant to request sedatives for
their children, Dr. Matt advises that neglecting oral health could have serious
consequences later. Without treatment, something as simple as a cavity could
cause your child to develop an infection (abscess), thus becoming quite severe
and very painful. The AAPD formally recognizes nitrous oxide sedation as a safe
means of administering analgesia to children. It relaxes the central nervous
system while causing little effect on respiratory patterns. In fact, the AAPD
actually recommends nitrous oxide for reducing dental anxiety in pediatric
patients. http://www.aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/G_Nitrous.pdf
Whether your child has special needs, is afraid of the
dentist or is simply too active to sit still through dental treatment, nitrous
oxide sedation can act as a helpful tool for pediatric dental patients.
Therefore giving Dr. Matt and the Southern Indiana Pediatric Dental team an
even bigger opportunity to provide quality dental care, in a fun and inviting
atmosphere. Dentistry shouldn’t be frightening! To learn more about nitrous
oxide sedation dentistry, other forms of sedation dentistry, or to schedule an
appointment with Dr. Matt, contact us at 812-333-KIDS (5437). We welcome new
patients of all ages, and look forward to providing an enjoyable, and comfortable
dental experience for you and your child.
