Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Patient and Family Education - Nitrous Oxide for Sedation

The following information will help you and your child get ready for your visit. During the procedure, your child must hold very still in order to get the best results. Since most young children are not able to be still enough when they are awake, they are given a medicine that can help them relax. This is called sedation.

For your child’s safety, do not give anything to eat or drink before sedation. This is to prevent nausea (upset stomach) and vomiting (throwing up). If your child is scheduled for an outpatient procedure, a nurse will call you with specific instructions.

What is nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide is a very quick-acting inhaled sedation medicine that decreases discomfort and anxiety. It is sometimes called laughing gas, and is often given at the dentist’s office.

As with all medicines, there are benefits, side effects, and risks. Be sure to discuss any questions with the doctor or nurse before signing the consent form.

How is it given?
Your child will inhale the medicine through a mask, breathing in and out normally through the nose. Your child can pick the smell of the mask, such as bubble gum or strawberry. Sometimes, younger children resist the mask. If this happens, the nurse may gently help hold the mask in place.

The nitrous oxide will make your child feel relaxed and sleepy. It does not cause a deep sleep, as general anesthesia does. It will be given a few minutes before the procedure starts and may continue until it is finished. For safety during sedation, a nurse will monitor your child until the medicine has worn off.

What are the side effects?
Nitrous oxide is safe for use in children and there are no long-term side effects. Sometimes nausea and vomiting occur. This is much more likely if the child has eaten before the procedure.

What can I expect after the nitrous oxide is stopped?
Once the mask is removed, nitrous oxide wears off very quickly. Usually, children wake up comfortably. Sometimes they may be a little disoriented and irritable, but this usually lasts only a very short time. A nurse will monitor your child until the medicine has worn off. If your child is an outpatient, you must stay with him or her.

Your child may eat right away unless there is a reason not to, such as another test. Once home, your child may be as active as usual and participate in normal activities.

How can I help my child?
You are welcome to stay in the room while your child is receiving the nitrous oxide. For some procedures, you may be able to stay the entire time. Your child may find your presence during procedures helpful. Pregnant women are not allowed in the room because of an extremely rare but possible risk to the baby.

Reassure and explain to your child in simple words what is being done and why. Always tell the truth. Remain calm; the more relaxed you and your child are, the easier the test will be. We are here to help both your child and you.

When should I call the doctor?

What else do I need to know?
All children are different. Nitrous oxide does not work for everyone. Your provider will discuss other sedation options with you if the procedure cannot be completed with nitrous oxide.

Additional information
For more reading material about this and other health topics, please contact your provider.