Why Oral Conscious Sedation?

We go the extra mile to make your child feel comfortable and give them a lasting positive image of the dentist. One of the things we can do to ease their anxiety is administer nitrous oxide to a fearful child in order to deliver a stress-free experience.

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What is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas that has a slightly sweet smell. It is a safe and effective way of maintaining conscious sedation. What this means is that the patient will be awake during the procedure, but feel completely relaxed. Bodily functions will remain normal while nitrous oxide is administered and after the application of the nitrous oxide is stopped, the effects will wear off quickly. 

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How is Nitrous Oxide Administered?

Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small mask that’s placed over a child’s face, creating a form of conscious sedation. The gas is mixed with oxygen as it’s delivered; both are kept at an adjustable intake level that is completely safe for the body. After only a few minutes, the patient will begin to feel a floating sensation and possibly some tingling in the hands and feet. No need to worry though. This is just a sign that the sedation is working. Once this occurs and your child is calm and comfortable, we can start the dental procedure.

Nitrous oxide isn’t actually a substitute for anesthesia; it’s actually considered an anxiolytic, which means that it makes anxiety disappear. For some pediatric procedures, an anesthetic may actually still be needed. However, even if a numbing shot is necessary, your child will be relaxed and won’t mind at all while under sedation.

 

Once the procedure is over, the nitrous oxide flow will be set to zero and the oxygen will be increased. After a few minutes, your child will feel normal again. 

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Feel free to read through our Oral Sedation Packet so you know exactly what to expect the day of your child's appointment.

 

Schedule a Visit Today!

Good dental habits are best established by an early age, and Growing Smiles is excited to be a part of such an important milestone in your child’s life. With offices in St. Clair Shores and Chesterfield, we're just a hop, skip, and a jump away! You can also request an appointment online. We look forward to taking care of your child's beautiful smile!

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