Dental Care for Kids: Finding the Right Dentist

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Why Nitrous Oxide Is A Great Form Of Sedation For Kids

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If your young child needs to have a cavity filled or any other type of dentistry procedure that will require numbing, you should talk to your child's dentist about nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is a gas commonly used in dentistry, and it is one form of sedation that works ideally for children. Here are several things you should know about nitrous oxide for dental work.

What is it?

Nitrous oxide is often called "laughing gas" because it tends to make people laugh. A dentist administers it by placing a breathing apparatus on a patient. As the patient breathes in this gas, it causes him or her to relax. It is safe for most people, and it can make a big difference for anyone that needs dental work.

Why is it good for kids?

There are numerous benefits of choosing nitrous oxide over other forms of sedation for kids, and one of the main benefits is that it will not cause your child to fall asleep. It will simply make your child relax. This is ideal for a child who is not old enough to sit still on his or her own, or for a child that is scared to have dental work completed. It is often considered safer than other options too, because it is easy to control. When the dental work is finished, the machine is switched from nitrous oxide to oxygen, and the nitrous oxide will quickly leave the child's body.

How does it work?

Nitrous oxide works by blocking NMDA receptors. When this happens, the child will feel very relaxed and possibly even giggly. He or she will not completely be aware that dental work is even happening, even though the child will be completely conscious, and it may leave the child feeling tingly, warm, and comfortable.

In addition, the use of nitrous oxide might help the child place good, positive feelings and thoughts into his or her mind about dental work. If this happens, the child may actually look forward to seeing the dentist and getting work completed.

If your child is very frightened about having a cavity filled, or if you feel that your child will not be able to sit still while the dentist is completing the filling, talk to your dentist about nitrous oxide. This is a common form of sedation, and it is something that is available in many dental clinics.

For more information about nitrous oxide and other forms of sedation, talk to a dentist like Picone Dental - Vincent J Picone DDS.


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