Nitrous Oxide & General Anesthesia

Pediatric dentists generally use nitrous oxide (aka “laughing gas”) or general anesthesia for sedation, depending on the procedure. It also depends on the child’s level of anxiety. 

Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative that puts your child in a state called “conscious sedation”, which is exactly what it sounds like: your child will be mildly sedated, but still able to speak, cough and breathe. It is not a general anesthesia and is only to alleviate anxiety. 

This is by far the most common method of sedation, and is inhaled through a facemask. If you’ve never experienced nitrous oxide for yourself, it can be described as making you feel happy and relaxed. Your child might also feel a little light, or tingly. Even though it’s sometimes called laughing gas, it usually won’t make your child laugh uncontrollably. That would make our jobs pretty difficult!

General anesthesia (GA) on the other hand, puts your child in a much deeper state of sedation. This is usually a gas that is inhaled through a mask, administered by a specialized anesthesiologist and required for more intensive procedures – like surgeries. 

Under general anesthesia, your child will be in a deeper form of sedation. They will feel no pain, and remain in that state until treatment is completed. If suggested for your child’s treatment, we will also consult with an anesthesiologist that will answer all questions prior to any treatment.