Nitrous Oxide

Some children are given nitrous oxide/oxygen, or what you may know as laughing gas, to relax them for their dental treatment. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a blend of two gases, oxygen and nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is given through a small breathing mask which is placed over the child’s nose, allowing them to relax, but without putting them to sleep. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recognizes this technique as a very safe, effective technique to use for treating children’s dental needs. The gas is mild, easily taken, then with normal breathing, it is quickly eliminated from the body.
 It is non-addictive. While inhaling nitrous oxide/oxygen, your child remains fully conscious and keeps all natural reflexes.

Prior to your appointment:

• Tell us about any respiratory condition that makes breathing through the nose difficult for your child. It may limit the effectiveness of the nitrous oxide/oxygen.

• Let us know if your child is taking any medication on the day of the appointment.

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Conscious Sedation is recommended for apprehensive children, very young children, and children with special needs. It is used to calm your child and to reduce the anxiety or discomfort associated with dental treatments. Your child may be quite drowsy, and may even fall asleep, but they will not become unconscious.

There are a variety of different medications, which can be used for conscious sedation. The doctor will prescribe the medication best suited for your child’s overall health and dental treatment recommendations. We will be happy to answer any questions you might have concerning the specific drugs we plan to give to your child.

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Tammy

Pre-Operative Instructions

1. Your child should have NOTHING to eat or drink during the 6 hours prior to the appointment.

2. Your child must be healthy. No elevated temperature or respiratory distress.

3. Your child should receive his/her usual medications in the usual amounts. Be sure that we know what those medications are.

4. You must remain at the office for the duration of the procedure.

5. You are welcome to be present during the procedures being performed. This, however, is at the doctors discretion. Some children simply do better without their parents present. If the doctor asks you to return to the reception area, please do so promptly and quietly as to not further disturb your child. Failure to do so may result in the termination of the procedure.

6. One parent is allowed in the room at one time. While in the room, talk to your child as little as possible and not at all while the doctor is talking.

7. You are welcome to bring your child's favorite stuffed animal, blanket, videotape, etc.

8. Please notify us of any change in your child’s health and/or medical condition. Do not bring your child for treatment with a fever, ear infection or cold. Should your child become ill, contact us to see if it is necessary to postpone the appointment.

9. Please make sure that your child goes to the bathroom immediately prior to arriving at the office.

10. Please dress your child in loose fitting, comfortable clothing.

11. Please watch your child closely while the medication is taking effect. Hold them in your lap or keep close to you. Do not let them "run around."

12. Your child will act drowsy and may become slightly excited at first.

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Post-Operative Instructions

1. At the completion of the procedure, your child will probably be somewhat "groggy", although on occasion some may be quite irritable. He/she should be able to walk with minimal assistance. Some side effects include: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and irritability.

2. Adult supervision for the remained of the day is necessary.

3. When your child returns to familiar and comfortable surroundings, he/she will need to sleep off the effects of the medication. The time a child will sleep can vary widely. Some may sleep well into the afternoon.

4. When your child is awake, feed him/her what you normally would.

5. Ice cream is a good choice; particularly if there have been tooth extractions. Sticky candy should not be given.

6. Some children, when waking up, may become very irritable. This condition is temporary.

7. Most children will not require additional medication for pain. If your child does have discomfort, a normal child's dose of Tylenol is recommended.

8. If your child vomits, help them bend over and turn their head to the side to insure that they do not inhale the vomit.

9. Because we use local anesthetic to numb your child’s mouth during the procedure, your child may have the tendency to bite or chew their lips, cheeks, and/or tongue and/or rub and scratch their face after treatment. Please observe your child carefully to prevent any injury to these areas.

IN THE EVENT OF ANY UNUSUAL SITUATION, CALL THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY: 250-5030

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