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We have recommended nitrous oxide for your child's upcoming dental appointment.

Please review the following information.

PLEASE HAVE YOUR CHILD FAST 2 HOURS BEFORE THEIR APPOINTMENT.
  • Have your child prepare for nitrous oxide even if you would prefer not to have it administered.
  • We can always start without nitrous oxide, but we cannot add it if your child is not prepared.
 
Good Foods before N2O:
A light meal consisting of one or two of the following
  • Toast
  • PB & J
  • Oatmeal - no milk
  • Banana
  • Water
  • Dry Cereal
  • Crackers
Bad Foods before N2O:
  • Milk (including non-dairy alternatives)
  • Cheese
  • Yogurt
  • Eggs
  • Juices/Sodas
  • High-fat foods -french fries, hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken nuggets, etc.
Please inform your pediatric dentist if your child is taking any medications or has had changes in their health history.
Sometimes a child may feel anxious before or during a dental treatment. Your child may need more support than a gentle, caring manner to feel comfortable. Nitrous oxide/oxygen (N2O) is a safe, effective technique to calm a child’s fear and to improve behavior and communication during a dental visit. Additional indications for nitrous oxide/oxygen include children whose gag reflex interferes with dental care and children that require lengthy dental procedures.

Prior to your appointment, please inform your pediatric dentist about any respiratory conditions that make breathing through the nose difficult for your child.
 
Q. What is nitrous oxide/oxygen?
A. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a blend of two gases – oxygen and nitrous oxide. When inhaled, it is absorbed by the body and has a calming effect. With the administration of 100% oxygen, nitrous oxide/oxygen is eliminated from the body completely.

Q. How will my child feel when breathing nitrous oxide/oxygen?
A. Your child will smell a sweet aroma – “candy air” – and may experience a feeling of giddiness or euphoria. Additionally, your child may report dreaming and arm or leg “tingling.”

Q. How safe is nitrous oxide/oxygen?
A. Very safe. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is perhaps the safest sedative in dentistry. It is mild, easily taken, and then quickly eliminated by the body. Your child remains fully conscious and keeps all natural reflexes when breathing nitrous oxide/oxygen. Acute and chronic adverse effects of nitrous oxide on the patient are rare. Nausea and vomiting are the most common adverse effects, occurring in 0.5% of patients.
 
Q. Will nitrous oxide/oxygen work for all children?
A. Pediatric dentists know that all children are not alike! Every service is tailored to your child as an individual. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is not effective for some children, especially those who have severe anxiety, nasal congestion, or extensive treatment needs. Pediatric dentists have comprehensive specialty training and can offer other sedation methods that are right for your child.
 
I HAVE BEEN GIVEN A COPY OF THE ABOVE GUIDELINES AND UNDERSTAND MY RESPONSIBILITY TO FULFILL THESE REQUIREMENTS FOR MY CHILD’S APPOINTMENTS WHEN NITROUS OXIDE IS TO BE ADMINISTERED.

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