Are you considering pediatric laughing gas for your child’s next dental visit? If so, it’s natural that you’ll have questions about your child’s treatment plan. For this reason, our pediatric dentist in Grand Rapids, MI, wants to make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision for your child’s smile.
Here’s what you need to know about pediatric laughing gas. If you don’t see your question listed below, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kim. We’d be more than happy to help!
Laughing gas is a mild form of sedation that is supplied in a gaseous state via a small mask placed over your child’s nose. As your child breathes in the laughing gas, they’ll start to become more relaxed in the dentist’s chair. As the name suggests, they may also feel a sensation of giddiness that may cause them to laugh a little. Although, not all patients experience this.
Yes, pediatric laughing gas is safe for children of all ages. Since the wear off quickly, your child will be able to resume their normal routine after their appointment with us. Once we remove the laughing gas, we’ll flush out your child’s system with oxygen to ensure they’re 100% alert before they leave our office.
We may recommend pediatric laughing gas if your child experiences dental fear or anxiety. Laughing gas is also beneficial for ensuring that your child remains comfortable and calm, regardless of the procedure. For example, if your child is getting work done on multiple teeth, laughing gas can help them feel comfortable while they hold their mouth open for an extended period of time.
No, you won’t need to keep your child home from school or daycare after their appointment. The effects of dental laughing gas wear off in seconds after we remove the nasal mask. This means that your child will be able to resume their normal activities without lingering side effects. You also won’t need to closely monitor your child like you would if they had been under IV sedation or general anesthesia.
If your child is having a filling or crown, Dr. Kim will need to use local anesthesia to ensure their comfort throughout the procedure. While can reduce discomfort, it’s not used as a pain reliever during restorative dental treatments. Depending on your child’s needs, Dr. Kim may recommend both local anesthesia and laughing gas to provide an extra layer of comfort for your child as they sit in the dentist’s chair.
Dr. Wanki William Kim is an experienced pediatric dentist in Grand Rapids, MI, who’s accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment for your child and learn if they’re a candidate for laughing gas sedation, please call the Pediatric Dentistry of Michigan at (616) 447-7900. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.
