Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Salem offers nitrous oxide sedation and general anesthesia day surgery for children in Salem, NH. Sedation services are provided by Dr. Adam Wolff and Dr. Gabriella Marti, both board-certified pediatric dentists, in accordance with American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry guidelines. The practice is located at 389 Main St., Salem, NH 03079 — call (603) 893-5266.
Occasionally children need more complex dental treatment than a cleaning or routine checkup. When we are filling cavities or completing other treatments, we offer nitrous oxide sedation for our patients. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, has been safely and commonly used in pediatric dentistry for generations. Nitrous oxide/oxygen is a blend of two gases, oxygen, and nitrous oxide. This method is administered through a small breathing mask which is placed over the child’s nose where they are breathing a higher concentration of oxygen than “room air” at all times.
This allows your child to relax, suppresses their gag reflex, and speeds up time for your child without putting them to sleep. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry identifies nitrous oxide as a safe and effective technique for treating children’s dental needs. The gas administered is mild and the sedation is easily taken and non-addictive. While inhaling the pediatric laughing gas, your child will remain fully conscious and keep all natural reflexes.
Below are a few side effects your child may feel when receiving the nitrous oxide sedation:
- A warm euphoric feeling
- Lightheadedness
- Floating or tingling in the limbs
- Possible sleepiness
- A giggly and “funny” feeling
If your child feels discomfort or has an adverse reaction from the nitrous oxide sedation, it can easily be reversed by breathing 100% oxygen. The percentage of nitrous oxide being administered can also be adjusted during the procedure.
Your child will experience no lasting side effects from taking this sedation method. After the procedure, you child can resume day-to-day activities as normal.
Sedation Dentistry and General Anesthesia
Is sedation dentistry safe for children?
Yes. Nitrous oxide has been used safely in pediatric dentistry for decades and is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) as a safe and effective technique for managing mild to moderate dental anxiety in children. At Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Salem, nitrous oxide is always administered with continuous oxygen — your child is breathing a higher concentration of oxygen than normal room air throughout the entire procedure. The effects wear off within minutes of removing the mask, and children can return to normal activities immediately after their appointment.
Which children benefit most from nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide is a good option for children who:
- Feel anxious or nervous about dental visits
- Have a strong gag reflex that makes treatment difficult
- Need a longer or more involved procedure such as fillings, extractions, or pulp therapy
- Are younger children who have difficulty sitting still for extended appointments
- Have had a difficult or traumatic dental experience in the past
It is not suitable for every child — Dr. Wolff and Dr. Marti will review your child’s medical history and discuss whether nitrous oxide is appropriate before any procedure.
What should I do to prepare my child for a sedation appointment?
For nitrous oxide appointments, no special preparation is typically required. However, we recommend avoiding a large meal in the two hours before the appointment, as a full stomach can occasionally cause nausea with nitrous oxide. Dress your child comfortably, bring a favorite comfort item if it helps them feel at ease, and let them know in age-appropriate terms what to expect — our team will do the rest.
What about general anesthesia — when is that recommended?
For a small number of children, nitrous oxide alone is not sufficient to complete necessary dental treatment safely and comfortably. This is most common in very young children (under age 3), children with significant special needs, or cases requiring extensive treatment across multiple teeth. In these situations, our doctors may recommend day surgery under general anesthesia performed in partnership with a hospital-based anesthesia team. This allows all necessary treatment to be completed in a single visit while your child is fully asleep and comfortable. Dr. Wolff and Dr. Marti will discuss this option thoroughly with you if it is recommended, and answer every question before any decision is made.