Nitrous Oxide Relaxation

Nitrous oxide is a type of dental analgesia used by dentists across the U.S. Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas that relaxes the central nervous system while causing little effect on the respiratory pattern. When administered in low concentration it is highly effective in reducing dental anxiety and helps children relax the muscles of their small mouth during their dental experience.

Whether your child has special needs, is afraid of the dentist, or is simply too active to sit still through a dental procedure, nitrous oxide is a helpful tool for getting pediatric dental patients to relax and cooperate.

The beauty of using a low concentration of nitrous oxide is that it allows a child to maintain a state of awareness and be an active helper during their dental procedure. At Brent J. Porter, D.D.S., your Santa Cruz children’s dentist, the safety of our patients is our number one priority. Nitrous oxide is a very safe option available to your child.

Should I ask my child's dentist to administer nitrous oxide during their next visit?

If your child is very young, has a fear of the dentist, or has extensive dental treatment needs, nitrous analgesia may be a topic that you should explore with Brent J. Porter, D.D.S., your Santa Cruz pediatric dentist.

What should I expect when my child is administered nitrous?

Your child will be asked to breathe in a mixture of nitrous gas and oxygen from a nasal hood at the beginning of his or her appointment. The amount of gas administered will be monitored and adjusted throughout treatment to help him or her relax while staying completely alert and responsive. It also has mild pain-relieving, analgesic, properties. At the end of treatment, oxygen is administered to help alleviate the effects of the gas in your child's system and return him or her to a natural state of awareness. Within a few minutes, your child will be ready to go home!

Will I need to follow any special instructions when caring for my child following a treatment using nitrous oxide?

No. Nitrous oxide will naturally leave your child's body within five minutes of stopping the flow of gas.

For more information please contact the office of Brent J. Porter D.D.S., Santa Cruz Children’s Dentist (831) 459-9802