Sedation Dentistry With Nitrous Oxide

Helping Little Ones Relax In The Dentist’s Chair

Dental anxiety is common in patients of all ages, and can be particularly difficult for kids. Whether your child needs a filling, crown, or any other treatment, they may feel intimidated and nervous about their upcoming visit with Dr. Michelle.

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At Duck Duck Tooth Pediatric Dentistry, we do our best to make our office a fun, welcoming, and comforting environment for kiddos. But if your little one needs a bit more help being brave, we can help with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation. With sedation dentistry in Lexington, MA, your child can get the expert care they need without feeling scared or anxious.

Understanding Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide) Sedation

At our office, we offer nitrous oxide sedation for kids of all ages. More commonly known as laughing gas, this is a minimally invasive sedation option that helps keep your child feeling relaxed and comfortable throughout their visit.

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With laughing gas sedation, Dr. Michelle will place a mask over your child’s nose. Then, she will send a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide through this mask. As your child breathes in through their nose, the gas will take effect almost instantly.

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Once it does, your child will feel a little bit “floaty” and disconnected from what’s happening around them. However, your little one will remain fully conscious. They will be able to answer questions and cooperate with Dr. Michelle to ensure a smooth procedure.

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The best part about laughing gas sedation is that it wears off within about five minutes and has minimal side effects. You and your child can get back to your normal routines right away, and they can even go back to school after their treatment!

The Benefits Of Laughing Gas Sedation

Simple and effective

With laughing gas sedation, there’s no need for any pills or needles to sedate your child. Nitrous oxide is extremely effective. And along with local numbing, it ensures that your child feels no pain or discomfort.

Reduces dental anxiety and fear

With laughing gas sedation, stress-filled dental visits will be a thing of the past. Your little one can sit back, relax, and feel comfortable throughout their entire visit with Dr. Michelle at our office. And you can rest easy, too, since you’ll know that your child will be in good hands throughout their entire procedure.

Helps with fear of needles

Even if your child doesn't mind the dentist, the idea of being jabbed with a numbing needle can be seriously scary! Luckily, laughing gas also helps with the fear of needles, and makes it much easier for Dr. Michelle to numb your child’s mouth when necessary.

Minimizes gag reflex

Along with helping your child relax, laughing gas helps reduce their gag reflex. This means that laughing gas can make dental care more comfortable for your child, especially if they need a filling or another treatment in a rear tooth.

Helps keep your kiddo still

Along with all of its other benefits, laughing gas helps your child relax and stay still during their visit. This makes it a great option for kids who have trouble sitting still, or for kids who need lengthy, extensive treatment like multiple fillings for cavities.

Is Laughing Gas Safe For Kids?

Absolutely. Laughing gas is one of the safest forms of sedation for kids of all ages. It’s very mild, and any serious reaction or complication is extraordinarily rare. And at Duck Duck Tooth Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Michelle and our team have undergone extensive sedation training to ensure that we can sedate your child safely throughout their visit.

Will Insurance Cover The Cost Of Laughing Gas?

Unfortunately, the answer is usually “no.” While your own policy may differ, most insurance policies will not cover the cost of laughing gas or other sedation methods for kids. It’s a good idea to consult with your insurer and your policy documents to see if your plan will pay for laughing gas.

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We’ve got good news, though! Even if your insurance plan won’t cover it, laughing gas sedation is extremely affordable, especially compared to other methods like pill-based sedation or IV sedation. You can ask Dr. Michelle for more information during your visit and get an accurate quote for how much nitrous oxide sedation will cost for your child’s appointment.

Explore Pediatric Sedation Options In Lexington, MA

If your child gets nervous at the dentist, Dr. Michelle is here to help. Whether it’s for a routine checkup or for a more complex procedure like a filling or crown, laughing gas sedation makes dental visits easier for kids and their parents, too.

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So don’t wait. Give us a call at (339) 970-2014 or contact us online to book your child’s first visit with Dr. Michelle and learn more about your sedation options at Duck Duck Tooth Pediatric Dentistry. We’re always accepting new patients, and we look forward to meeting you and your little one soon!