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:
- Please inform us of
any change to your child’s health and/or
medical condition.
- 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.
Outpatient
General Anesthesia
Outpatient General Anesthesia is
recommended for apprehensive children,
very young children, and children with
special needs that would not work well
under conscious sedation or I.V.
sedation. General anesthesia renders
your child completely asleep. This would
be the same as if he/she was having
their tonsils removed, ear tubes, or
hernia repaired. This is performed in a
hospital or outpatient setting only.
While the assumed risks are greater than
that of other treatment options, if this
is suggested for your child, the
benefits of treatment this way have been
deemed to outweigh the risks. Most
pediatric medical literature places the
risk of a serious reaction in the range
of 1 in 25,000 to 1 in 200,000, far
better than the assumed risk of even
driving a car daily. The inherent risks
if this is not chosen are multiple
appointments, potential for physical
restraint to complete treatment and
possible emotional and/or physical
injury to your child in order to
complete their dental treatment. The
risks of NO treatment include tooth
pain, infection, swelling, the spread of
new decay, damage to their developing
adult teeth and possible life
threatening hospitalization from a
dental infection.
Prior to your appointment:
-
Please notify us of any change in
your child’s health. 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.
-
You must tell the doctor of any
drugs that your child is currently
taking and any drug reactions and/or
change in medical history.
-
Please dress your child in loose
fitting, comfortable clothing.
-
Your child should not have milk
or solid food after midnight prior
to the scheduled procedure and clear
liquids ONLY (water, apple juice,
Gatorade) for up to 6 hours prior to
the appointment.
-
The child’s parent or legal
guardian must remain at the hospital
or surgical site waiting room during
the complete procedure.
After the appointment:
-
Your child will be drowsy and
will need to be monitored very
closely. Keep your child away from
areas of potential harm.
-
If your child wants to sleep,
place them on their side with their
chin up. Wake your child every hour
and encourage them to have something
to drink in order to prevent
dehydration. At first it is best to
give your child sips of clear
liquids to prevent nausea. The first
meal should be light and easily
digestible.
-
If your child vomits, help them
bend over and turn their head to the
side to insure that they do not
inhale the vomit.
-
Prior to leaving the
hospital/outpatient center, you will
be given a detailed list of "Post-Op
Instructions" and an emergency
contact number if needed.
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