Understanding Children's Dental Anxiety
- Regular dental visits are essential for your child's oral health and smile.
- Teaching dental hygiene at home is easier than managing dental anxiety during appointments.
- Dental anxiety is common among young children due to fear of dentists, procedures, and
unfamiliar equipment.
- This anxiety can make necessary dental care challenging to deliver.
What is Happy Gas (Nitrous Oxide)?
- Also called laughing gas or nitrous oxide.
- Gentle sedation method for anxious children.
- Colorless gas with a sweet smell.
- Creates a mild sedative effect without putting the child to sleep.
Key Benefits of Happy Gas:
- Safe and effective for both children and adults
- Patients remain conscious throughout treatment
- No lasting side effects
- Wears off quickly after treatment
- Can be used for patients with mild to moderate anxiety
- Ideal for children with special needs
How Happy Gas Works During Dental Treatments
- Available at our Brisbane Sleep Dentistry practice
- Can be requested when booking your child’s appointment
- Administered by experienced dentists to ensure comfort and ease
During the appointment:
- A small breathing mask is placed over your child's nose
- Your child breathes in a controlled mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen
- The dentist monitors and adjusts levels as needed
- Your child remains awake but relaxed
- Pure oxygen is given after the treatment to flush out the gas
- The effects wear off within minutes
Dental Procedures That Can Use Happy Gas
- Filling cavities
- Dental cleanings
- Root canal treatments
- Dental crowns
- Extractions, including wisdom teeth
- Routine examinations for anxious patients
Some procedures may also require local anaesthesia to manage pain, while the nitrous oxide helps
reduce anxiety.
Preparing Your Child for Happy Gas Sedation
- Avoid large meals before the appointment
- Skip dairy and greasy foods for at least two hours prior
- Explain the procedure to your child in simple terms
- Arrive early to help your child adjust to the clinic environment
- Inform us about any respiratory conditions your child may have
After Happy Gas Sedation
- Your child can return to normal activities immediately
- You can drive home approximately 15 minutes after treatment
- Offer clear liquids if your child experiences mild nausea
- Provide soft foods if local anaesthetic was used
Possible Side Effects
- Mild nausea or lightheadedness
- Temporary tingling in limbs
- Slight dizziness when standing quickly
These effects usually resolve within minutes after discontinuing the gas.
Why Choose Our Sleep Dentistry, Carindale Practice?
- Specialised paediatric dentists trained in managing dental anxiety
- Safe and professional use of nitrous oxide sedation
- Stress-free, child-friendly environment
- Focus on creating positive early dental experiences
Book Your Child's Appointment Today
- Call us at +61 (0) 48 111 9988
- Schedule an appointment at our friendly Brisbane clinic
- We are committed to providing excellent, anxiety-free dental care for your child