Nitrous Oxide for Children

Some children experience anxiety or other difficulties when receiving necessary dental care. In that type of situation, we may recommend conscious sedation with nitrous oxide to help make your child’s experience of dental treatment stress-free.

Nitrous oxide, a colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor, has been used in medicine for about a century. It’s a safe and effective method of administering conscious sedation, which means that a child (or adult) will stay awake during the procedure, but feel completely relaxed — even happy. All bodily functions remain normal during the administration of nitrous oxide, and its effects wear off quickly afterwards. 

How Is Nitrous Oxide Administered?

As a form of conscious sedation, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small mask that fits comfortably over a child’s nose. The gas is mixed with oxygen as it is being delivered, and both gases are always kept at a level that is safe for the body. In just a few minutes, the patient may start to experience a floating sensation, and perhaps some tingling in the hands and feet. That’s a sign that the sedation is working. Once it has been verified that your child is calm and comfortable, and that the dose is correct, the dental procedure can begin.

Nitrous oxide itself isn’t a substitute for a local anesthetic in children or adults as it’s considered an anxiolytic, which means it makes anxiety disappear. However, for some pediatric procedures, a child receiving nitrous oxide may not need an anesthetic injection. Even if they do need a numbing shot, they won’t mind at all while under sedation with nitrous oxide. Yet they won’t be asleep — they’ll be able to speak, be aware of what’s going on, and they will remain in control during the procedure. In fact, the dose can be fine-tuned to just the level of sedation they need to make them comfortable yet alert.

When the procedure is over, the flow of nitrous oxide is decreased to zero, and the oxygen will be increased. After resting in the chair for a few minutes, the child will feel completely normal. 

Who Can Benefit From Nitrous Oxide?

Any child whose anxiety would otherwise keep them out of the dental chair can benefit from conscious sedation with nitrous oxide. Before beginning treatment, we will take a complete medical history, including any medications your child is taking. We will make sure that your child is safe and comfortable. In fact, we sometimes create a fantasy of your child being an airplane pilot wearing their flight mask to encourage their imagination so that they have a good time during treatment. Afterwards, they will likely not remember a thing. 

What Our Happy Parents Say

Haley A.
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The whole staff was very welcoming and made our first experience with a toddler very calming and fun! Thank you!!!
Alyse A.
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Dr. Hull is a meticulous orthodontist who ensures that the patient and parent understands what is happening and why. He ensures the alignment of your teeth are exactly as they should be. 100% recommend him to anyone!
Kailie J.
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Highly recommend bringing your smaller children here! They always make my daughter (currently 3 1/2 years old) feel so comfortable, and she leaves there so happy every time!

Meet Your Pediatric Dentist in Des Moines, Iowa

Our staff is trained and skilled with many years of experience in dealing with the pediatric patient. We strive to provide energetic and fun-loving service to each patient. All of our staff members stay current with the very latest in technology and advances by regularly attending continuing education courses and seminars.

hull2
Nathan Hull, DDS
Orthodontist
Jim Shealy, DDS
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist
Danielle_Bryan_revised_
Danielle Leonard, DDS
General Dentist
Matthew-Kubovich,-DDS
Matthew Kubovich, DDS
Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Our office is moving! Welcome to Children’s Dental Center of Central Iowa and Family Orthodontics!

Dear patients and families,

The Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Central Iowa team will be moving to a new office and operating under the name of our partner practices, Children’s Dental Center of Central Iowa and Family Orthodontics! You’ll experience the same great care with our team at our new home in Urbandale, conveniently located just down the road from our current office! 

Our New Address

Phone

We can’t wait to show you around our new home! If you have any questions, please call our new office at:

Our Office

Please feel free to contact our office during the following hours through our office phone number or at any time using the contact form. We look forward to hearing from you! 

Address

Phone

Working Hours

Monday

8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Friday

Closed

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Our office is moving! Welcome to Children’s Dental Center of Central Iowa and Family Orthodontics!

Dear patients and families,

The Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of Central Iowa team will be moving to a new office and operating under the name of our partner practices, Children’s Dental Center of Central Iowa and Family Orthodontics! You’ll experience the same great care with our team at our new home in Urbandale, conveniently located just down the road from our current office! 

Our New Address

Phone

We can’t wait to show you around our new home! If you have any questions, please call our new office at: