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Happy Gas Treatment in Dentistry: Is it Safe?
Unbeknown to many, some dental clinics administer laughing gas as a way of calming anxious patients, especially children. Otherwise known as happy gas treatment, this method is a safe way of sedation and used to induce cooperation during a dental session. Learn more...

 

Otherwise known as Nitrous Oxide, laughing gas is a type of sedative laced with oxygen. It is commonly used by dentists as they carry out their practice.  A Canberra children's dentist, for example, conducts a happy gas treatment for mildly anxious kids to calm them during a procedure. The child inhales the gas through a mask covering their nose.

 

Laughing gas also decreases pain and anxiety while treatment is ongoing. Depending on your child's anxiety levels, your dentist may suggest a happy gas treatment for better ease and comfort. Rest assured, the laughing gas administered is safe and does not have any adverse health effects. As soon as the dental treatment is finished, the gas will wear off and your child will easily recover from it.

 

How the Treatment Works

 

It is important to note how the gas will affect your kids so you can set aside your fears and cooperate with the oral healthcare professional. Your child will experience the following throughout the dental procedure:

 

1. Lowers anxiety, making children more at ease and comfortable.

2. Removes pain (similar to anaesthesia), so the procedure is unlikely to hurt.

3. Creates temporary feelings of euphoria, and calming while also providing some joyful energy.

 

The children's dentist will first supply nitrous oxide through a mask. They will then check whether your child can breathe through the nose without problems. Minutes thereafter, your child will start to relax and gradually feel the effects of the happy gas. Nitrous oxide often leaves you light-headed. At times, your limbs will feel heavy, if not a nagging tingling sensation.

 

After completing the procedure, dentists will immediately cut off the happy gas supplied through your mask. However, kids will still receive oxygen for several more minutes to ward off incoming headaches. Inhaling more oxygen effectively clears the lungs from any nitrous oxide residue. Your child will return to its original state as soon as the happy gas treatment is over.

 

 

Laughter Effects Among Children 

 

As mentioned, anyone who goes through a happy gas treatment, adults and children alike, will experience euphoria. In such a state, feelings of happiness and excitement are far more intense than usual. This is not a given for all patients, though. Instead of laughter, many feel calm and less stressed, but somewhat woozy or nauseous.  

 

 

Safety Measures

 

Happy gas treatment has the Australian Dental Association's stamp of approval. It is a proven safe and effective way of sedating dental patients. Generally safe for kids, it is deemed as the most preferred dental sedation method for a wide range of procedures by the majority of pediatric dentists. Some children stay awake during the procedure, while some will doze off right after feeling calm and relaxed. No need to worry about alarming side effects. Quick recovery is assured and your child will be moving around once the procedure is over.

 

In rare instances, some children experience nausea and cannot wear their masks properly. Some testimonies include mental confusion, drowsiness, excessive sweating, and numbing of limbs. Should these symptoms persist, ask your children's dentist for alternative options. Dental professionals are reasonable and would not force your child to undergo an unsuitable sedative process. The good news is that sedation always requires parental consent, so dentists will not proceed unless you approve.

 

Recommended But Proceed with Caution

 

Despite being the most preferred method for sedating patients, the happy gas treatment is not mandatory; nor is sedation necessary for every dental procedure. This usually applies to new patients facing their pediatric dentist or dental visits for the first time. Procedures speed best when kids are less anxious and scared. Experienced dentists employ different strategies, including distraction and play therapy, to calm their little patients and get them to cooperate. In situations where laughing gas is ill-advised, parents and dentists must discuss the problem together and decide on the best course of action to take.