Most dental visits are pretty by the book. A dental hygienist will scrape plaque off of your teeth, followed by a polishing to remove any stain on the teeth. After that, a round of flossing, a peek under the tongue, and your dentist gives your teeth a thumbs up. You pocket a free toothbrush and floss, book your next appointment and mark another six months on your calendar. But not every visit is so smooth. Some procedures require laughing gas to be administered. You've certainly heard of it, but what does laughing gas do, you wonder? What Is Laughing Gas? Nitrous oxide (N2O), more commonly referred to as laughing gas, is used as a local sedation method. It is colorless and odorless. Nitrous oxide is effective as a …
Pediatric Anesthesia & Sedation Questions for Your Dentist
The ADA offers the following questions that parents and guardians should ask concerning in-office sedation or general anesthesia for their children provided either by the dentist or by a separate sedation/anesthetic practitioner in that dental office. The ADA suggests talking with your dentist about any concerns you might have about the treatment plan prior, during and after the procedure. Prior to the procedure: Who will provide evaluate my child before the procedure, including their past medical history such as allergies, current prescription and over-the-counter medications and previous illnesses and hospitalizations? How long should my child go without food or drink prior to the procedure (with the exception of necessary …