NITROUS OXIDE Post-Operative Care Instructions
Why Nitrous Oxide? Most children are calm, comfortable, and confident in a pediatric dental office. Our office is designed for young people, and our doctors have additional training in caring for infants, children, and adolescents. Our team members all have chosen to work in a pediatric dental office because we like children and want to cater to their special needs. These elements combine to make your child feel relaxed and special. Sometimes, however, a child may feel anxious before or during treatment. Your child may need more support than a gentle, caring manner to feel comfortable. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a safe, effective sedative agent used to calm a child’s fear of the dental visit and enhance effective communication. Additionally, it works well for children whose gag reflex interferes with dental treatment.
What is nitrous oxide/oxygen? Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a blend of two gases—oxygen and nitrous oxide. A fitted mask is placed over your child’s nose, and as the patient breathes normally, uptake occurs through the lungs. At the end of treatment, it is eliminated after a short period of breathing oxygen and has no lingering effects.
How safe is nitrous oxide/oxygen? Very safe. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is perhaps the safest sedative in dentistry. It is well tolerated. It has a rapid onset, is reversible, can be adjusted in various concentrations and is non-allergenic. Your child remains fully conscious—keeps all natural reflexes—when breathing nitrous oxide/oxygen. He/she will be capable of responding to questions or requests.
Nitrous oxide is a non-absorbed gas that is quickly cleared from the system by the administration of 100% oxygen. The following is a brief list of post-nitrous recommendations to aid recovery and minimize complications. Some children will cry upon seeing a parent after treatment. (This may happen as the nitrous oxide leaves their system.) Please avoid showing emotion as this may increase your child’s distress. Always be positive about their visit. Your child will be drowsy and will need to be monitored very closely. Keep your child away from areas of potential harm. If your child wants to sleep, place them on their side with their chin up. Wake your child every hour and encourage them to have something to drink in order to prevent dehydration. It is recommended that your child refrain from eating or drinking anything for 2 hours following their appointment, to avoid the chances of nausea and vomiting. At first it is best to give your child sips of clear liquids to prevent nausea. Your child's first meal should be light and easily digestible. If your child vomits, help them bend over and turn their head to the side to ensure that they do not inhale the vomit. Please contact our office if your child is experiencing symptoms not indicated above, are in need of a bite adjustment, or if you have any questions for Doctor regarding their dental care.
ALL IN GOOD INTENTION: It is our intent that all professional care delivered in our dental office shall be of the best possible quality we can provide for each child. We believe that any dentist can get your child’s work done – our mission is to do so in a manner which leaves your child with good positive feelings about going to the dentist. The entire focus is on your child, relating to them, fostering good dental health habits and instilling a healthy, positive attitude toward dentistry for life.
Thank you for choosing us to care for your child’s dental and overall wellness.
Sincerely,
Your Team at Killingly Dental Care