Laughing gas sedation at Pediatric Dentist -- does it really work?

[Bexsong]

I wasn't sure where to post this but I thought I'd give it a shot here.

My 6 yr old DD has to have a 2 cavities filled and at her last visit, we only got as far as two shots, then she refused to let the dentist go any further (kicking, screaming, crying), so we had to abandon that visit.  We consulted with a Pediatric dentist last week that is really great and highly credentialed.  He suggested a few options, one of them being "laughing gas" nitrous oxide/ valium combination to help keep her calm -- I'm wondering if it really will work. 

Of course I am extremely scared and nervous and could really use some assurance from THOSE OF WHO HAVE GONE THROUGHT THIS with your child.  I put that in caps because I could go without the "my kids have never had cavities..good luck posts!"  Sorry, I keep it real.   

Your responses are appreciated!

Thank you!

 

[hill2]

my son got this sedation he had to drink and he does not remember a thing. My pediatric office won't do the shots in their mouth this young because they still freak out.

[balagan_imma]

Our dentist uses the lauging gas/shot combo. My kids love it. My poor oldest child has had a bunch of teeth pulled and they used it. He was a little freaked at first, but slowly left the planet. In fact, when I told my older kids that I would be getter a wisdom tooth pulled this week, they both said - get the gas first - it's fabulous. Now, if that isn't a ringing endorsement, I don't know what is.

[Bexsong]

Thank ladies!

balagan-imma - what do you mean by "shot"?  Is the shot another sedative or are you talking about the numbing shot by the tooth?   I was going to ask them about using the laughing gas first.    UGH, this suck! LOL!

Quoting balagan_imma:

Our dentist uses the lauging gas/shot combo. My kids love it. My poor oldest child has had a bunch of teeth pulled and they used it. He was a little freaked at first, but slowly left the planet. In fact, when I told my older kids that I would be getter a wisdom tooth pulled this week, they both said - get the gas first - it's fabulous. Now, if that isn't a ringing endorsement, I don't know what is.

[Bexsong]

thanks hill2 - about how long did it take for him to start getting "sleepy"?  Did he like the way it tasted?

Quoting hill2:

my son got this sedation he had to drink and he does not remember a thing. My pediatric office won't do the shots in their mouth this young because they still freak out.

[funmom09]

It really works!  I always had that when I was a kid.  As a matter of fact, I still do.  I hate the Novocaine, so I still get the gas.  Your mind just drifts away. 

[MamaLori]

 All of my kids have had the laughing gas sedation and it has worked wonderful for all of them. Only my oldest had to have the liquid Valium along with it. I just asked my two youngest kids what they thought of the gas (ages 10 and 7) and they said they don't even know what is going on until they are done and that they love the "taste" of it. Our office uses "flavors" like bubble gum and cherry.

[Bexsong]

Thank you MamaLori for your comforting post!  I'm definitely going to call the Pediatrict dentist and find out if we can try just the "laughing gas" first.  ;-)

I always visit the profiles of the kind people that reply to my posts (and I dont' post often...) and I wanted to say that I was sorry to read of your loss.  I hope you are coping and doing better than well.  I've been married for 16 yrs ...I feel you.

Quoting MamaLori:

 All of my kids have had the laughing gas sedation and it has worked wonderful for all of them. Only my oldest had to have the liquid Valium along with it. I just asked my two youngest kids what they thought of the gas (ages 10 and 7) and they said they don't even know what is going on until they are done and that they love the "taste" of it. Our office uses "flavors" like bubble gum and cherry.

[Cara5]

I have 5 very clam, collected, mature kids. 

Until you mention the "D" word, and then they loose their Bananas!!!!  

Heres how we handle the dentist.  (they have chilled out a little so we can do cleanings the normal way, but if they need real work done:) 

They get a dose of Benadryl in the car on the way there (its about 15 minuets away).  By the time we get there they are usually groggy, go in, sit in the chair with the "Bunny Mask" (the gas mask) and play game boy till they pass out.  

The dentist gets the work done super super fast because he doesnt have to spend time bargaining with them or trying not to scare them.  Our dentist also puts numbing shots in, even tho they are out, and gives one last numb shot when shes done, if its something thats going to be painful, so that they wake up to tingly mouth, rather than super painful mouth.    They leave the gas mask on the entire time they are working and just give little puffs of the gas every so many minuets to keep them asleep, but its not a heavy sedation, within 10 to 15 minuets of taking the mask off after the procedure they are wide awake, sometimes still groggy from the benadryl, but not the gas.  I always bring a ginger ale (with a straw) because the gas usually give them a tiny bit of an upset stomach, but ive only ever had once puke... and it just happened once.  When we get home they usually want a nap, but after an hour or two they are wide awake and feel fine, with no traumatic memories from the dentist. 

I have a special needs child who is terrified of the dentist.  She has some major work she needs done, so when we take her we skip the byndaryl and get a prescription for that sedation liquid.  I give it to her right before we leave for the dentist and sit in the car with her until she is OUT.  I carry her in, they check her vitals, and then put her on the bunny mask and after the liquid wears off they maintain he sedation with the gas.   We are not allowed to leave until she wakes all the way up, but they do let us move to the play room so she dosent wake up in the dentist chair.  Usually shes content if there are cartoons on when she wakes up.  

[Bexsong]

Cara5 --

Gosh, I'm so glad I posted.  I really am starting to feel better about this.  LMAO- they loose their bananas!   Thank you for taking the time to post so much information.  Okay, so when your kids are given "the mask" is that the laughing gas?  It's not supposed to put them to sleep though so is that just the effect it has on your kiddos?

I'm also wondering if I should discuss the "sleepy meds" with her?  She's only 6 so I'm not sure if this will go over well.

Bekkie

Quoting Cara5:

I have 5 very clam, collected, mature kids. 

Until you mention the "D" word, and then they loose their Bananas!!!!  

Heres how we handle the dentist.  (they have chilled out a little so we can do cleanings the normal way, but if they need real work done:) 

They get a dose of Benadryl in the car on the way there (its about 15 minuets away).  By the time we get there they are usually groggy, go in, sit in the chair with the "Bunny Mask" (the gas mask) and play game boy till they pass out.  

The dentist gets the work done super super fast because he doesnt have to spend time bargaining with them or trying not to scare them.  Our dentist also puts numbing shots in, even tho they are out, and gives one last numb shot when shes done, if its something thats going to be painful, so that they wake up to tingly mouth, rather than super painful mouth.    They leave the gas mask on the entire time they are working and just give little puffs of the gas every so many minuets to keep them asleep, but its not a heavy sedation, within 10 to 15 minuets of taking the mask off after the procedure they are wide awake, sometimes still groggy from the benadryl, but not the gas.  I always bring a ginger ale (with a straw) because the gas usually give them a tiny bit of an upset stomach, but ive only ever had once puke... and it just happened once.  When we get home they usually want a nap, but after an hour or two they are wide awake and feel fine, with no traumatic memories from the dentist. 

 

I have a special needs child who is terrified of the dentist.  She has some major work she needs done, so when we take her we skip the byndaryl and get a prescription for that sedation liquid.  I give it to her right before we leave for the dentist and sit in the car with her until she is OUT.  I carry her in, they check her vitals, and then put her on the bunny mask and after the liquid wears off they maintain he sedation with the gas.   We are not allowed to leave until she wakes all the way up, but they do let us move to the play room so she dosent wake up in the dentist chair.  Usually shes content if there are cartoons on when she wakes up.  

[Heartlight617]

My son just had an extraction, and a filling with nitrous and it was so much easier for him. He has severe anxiety from having had neurosurgery 2 yrs. ago, so it has made his visits fear free. I used to have it myself. (liked it! ) Also, as a former dental assistant, I have never seen anyone have an adverse reaction. Your daughter will thank you!