Inhalation Sedation

Inhalation Sedation for Children and Adults

Inhalation sedation, commonly referred to as “laughing gas,” is a safe, gentle, and effective method to help patients feel calm and relaxed during dental treatments. This technique involves breathing in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a small, comfortable mask placed over the nose. It works quickly to ease anxiety, reduce discomfort, and create a sense of calm without putting the patient to sleep.

For individuals of all ages, including children and nervous adults, inhalation sedation can transform a potentially stressful dental visit into a smooth and stress-free experience.

Learn more about our range of dental sedation options for nervous adult patients here.

Why Choose Laughing Gas for Kids?

At our London Finchley branch, Dr. Sarah Bux, our experienced dentist with a special interest in paediatric sedation dentistry, offers inhalation sedation to help children feel at ease during their dental visits. Whether your child is anxious, has a low pain threshold, or needs help staying still for treatment, laughing gas can ensure their comfort while allowing Dr. Bux to provide the highest quality care.

Benefits of Inhalation Sedation for Children

• Quick and Gentle Onset: The effects of laughing gas are felt almost immediately, helping your child feel calm and relaxed within minutes.
• Safe and Effective: Inhalation sedation is one of the safest sedation methods available for children. It is mild, non-invasive, and quickly reversible.
• Reduced Anxiety: Laughing gas helps reduce any fear or anxiety your child may have about visiting the dentist, making it easier for them to receive necessary treatments.
• Customisable Sedation Levels: The amount of sedation can be easily adjusted during the procedure to ensure your child remains comfortable throughout.
• No Need for an Escort: One of the key advantages of laughing gas is its rapid recovery time. Your child can resume normal activities, including returning to school, almost immediately after their appointment, without the need for additional supervision or an escort.

Whether you’re an adult managing dental anxiety or a parent seeking stress-free care for your child, inhalation sedation is a reliable option.

Who is Inhalation Sedation Suitable For?

• Anxious Children: If your child feels nervous or scared about going to the dentist, inhalation sedation can help them relax and enjoy a more comfortable experience.
• Children with Sensitive Gag Reflexes: Laughing gas helps control involuntary reflexes, making dental treatments more manageable.
• Restless or Fidgety Kids: For children who may have difficulty staying still during longer treatments, laughing gas helps them relax and cooperate more easily.
• Low Pain Tolerance: If your child is particularly sensitive to discomfort, this gentle sedation method can make dental treatments virtually pain-free.

What to Expect During Your Child’s Visit

1. Initial Setup: Your child will be seated comfortably in the dental chair, and a small mask will be placed over their nose. They’ll be asked to breathe normally through the mask while the nitrous oxide takes effect.
2. Feeling Relaxed: Within a few minutes, your child will start to feel a light, floaty sensation, similar to daydreaming. This helps them feel calm and relaxed while remaining awake and responsive.
3. Ongoing Monitoring: Throughout the procedure, Dr. Bux will carefully monitor your child’s comfort and adjust the sedation levels as needed to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.
4. Quick Recovery: Once the treatment is complete, the nitrous oxide is switched off, and your child will breathe in pure oxygen for a few minutes. This flushes out the gas, allowing them to feel back to normal almost immediately.

Preparing for Your Child’s Inhalation Sedation Appointment

To ensure a successful and smooth experience for your child, we recommend following these simple guidelines before the appointment:

• Light Meal: Have your child eat a light meal a few hours before the appointment to prevent any potential nausea during the procedure.
• Comfortable Clothing: Dress your child in loose, comfortable clothing to help them feel more at ease.
• Encourage Relaxation: Talk to your child about what to expect and reassure them that the treatment will be easy and pain-free.
• Medical History: Inform us of any medications or medical conditions your child has before the procedure, so we can ensure their safety.

Aftercare and Recovery

One of the main advantages of inhalation sedation is the quick recovery time, which is especially important for children:

• Immediate Recovery: The effects of laughing gas wear off within a few minutes after treatment, so your child will be able to return to normal activities, including school or play, soon after leaving the clinic.
• Hydration: It’s a good idea to have your child drink some water after the appointment to stay hydrated.
• Resume Normal Eating: Your child can eat normally after their visit, though it’s best to wait until any lingering numbness from local anaesthetic wears off.

FAQs About Inhalation Sedation for Kids

Is laughing gas safe for my child?

Yes! Laughing gas is one of the safest and most effective sedation methods for children. It’s non-invasive, with minimal side effects, and wears off quickly after the procedure.

How will my child feel during the procedure?

Most children feel light, calm, and even giggly while inhaling the gas. It helps them relax but doesn’t put them to sleep, allowing them to stay awake and alert while feeling comfortable.

Will my child remember the procedure?

Yes, since inhalation sedation keeps your child awake and aware, they will remember the procedure, but they will feel calm and at ease throughout.

How long does the sedation last?

The sedative effects wear off within 5-10 minutes after the gas is turned off, allowing your child to recover almost instantly.

Can my child go back to school after the appointment?

Yes, since the sedation wears off quickly, your child can resume their normal activities, including returning to school, without needing extended recovery time.

Why Choose Dr Sarah Bux for Paediatric  Sedation?

Dr. Sarah Bux is an experienced Paediatric Dentist with a special interest in sedation techniques for children. She provides gentle and compassionate care to ensure that every child feels safe, relaxed, and comfortable during their dental treatments. 

Expertise in Paediatric Sedation

Dr. Bux is an expert in administering inhalation sedation (laughing gas), a technique she uses to ensure children can remain calm and relaxed while still awake and alert. She specialises in treating children who may have:

• Dental anxiety or phobia
• Difficulty staying still during treatments
• A sensitive gag reflex or low pain tolerance
• Special healthcare needs requiring gentle care

Her focus on paediatric sedation allows children to experience stress-free dental visits, making it easier for them to receive the dental care they need without fear or discomfort.

Book an Appointment with Dr Sarah Bux

If you’re looking for a caring and skilled at providing sedation for kids, our lovely Dr  Sarah Bux is here to help. Dr Sarah offers inhalation sedation for kids exclusively at our London Finchley branch, with flexible appointments, including Saturdays, to accommodate busy family schedules.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our Finchley branch and provide your child with a comfortable, anxiety-free dental experience.