Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, takes the edge off dental nerves, and our pediatric dentists in San Antonio use it for children who are a bit anxious or need help sitting still. Your child stays awake and can talk with us the whole time.
How laughing gas works
We place a small, soft mask over your child’s nose, and they breathe a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen. It has a faint, sweet smell. Within a few minutes, most children feel calm, relaxed, and sometimes a bit floaty or giggly. When treatment is done, we switch to plain oxygen, and the effects fade within minutes.
Laughing gas calms but doesn’t numb. When a tooth needs numbing, we use Local Anesthesia along with it, so your child is both relaxed and comfortable.
Is nitrous oxide safe for kids?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes nitrous oxide as a safe and effective way to reduce anxiety in children during dental care. Our team monitors your child throughout the visit and adjusts the mix as needed.
It isn’t the right choice for every child. Because it’s breathed in through the nose, a very stuffy nose can make it less effective, so let us know if your child has a cold before the appointment. Tell us about any medical conditions or medications, too, so we can decide together whether it’s a good fit.
Which children does it help?
Laughing gas works best for:
- Children with mild to moderate nervousness
- Shorter appointments, such as a filling or two
- Kids who need a little help holding still
- Children who are calm in general but uneasy about a particular step
For children who are very anxious, very young, or need a lot of treatment, a deeper option such as Sedation Dentistry or General Anesthesia may work better. We’ll talk through the choices with you.
Before and after the appointment
A light meal a couple of hours beforehand is usually better than a large meal or an empty stomach, since a full stomach can make some children queasy. Because the gas leaves the body so quickly, most children are back to their usual selves soon after the visit.
Will my child be asleep?
No. Your child stays awake, can hear us, and can answer questions. They just feel more relaxed.
What does laughing gas feel like?
Many children describe a warm, tingly, or floaty feeling in their hands and feet. Some feel a little silly. If the feeling is ever too strong, we can turn it down right away.
Is nitrous oxide covered by insurance?
Coverage varies from plan to plan. Our team can help you check your benefits before the visit.
Related: Local Anesthesia, Sedation Dentistry, General Anesthesia