Your child will not be unconscious. It is often used for mildly anxious or active patients to make them feel calm and comfortable during certain procedures. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off very soon after treatment is completed. Typically your child will be able to return to school, and/or resume regular daily activities after leaving the office.

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To ensure the sedation is as effective and comfortable for your child, we ask that you please follow these instructions:

Before the appointment:

• Do not let your child eat for four hours before the appointment. Nitrous Oxide Sedation requires an empty stomach.
• Clear fluids such as water and apple juice may be consumed up to two hours before the appointment. Avoid thick drinks such as milk or orange juice with pulp.
• If your child has nasal congestion, cough or cold, please call the office. Nitrous Oxide Sedation requires your child to breathe normally in order to inhale the laughing gas. Your appointment may need to be rescheduled.

After the appointment:

• Please ensure that an adult is available to accompany your child home after the appointment.
• Your child may have clear fluids after the appointment is done. Nausea and vomiting are uncommon but potential side effects when using nitrous oxide. When this occurs, you can wait for 15 minutes before allowing them to drink again. Once your child feels well after drinking clear fluids, he or she can start eating solids.