How Long Does Dental Sedation Last for Kids?

• How Long Does It Take for Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation to Wear Off?
• Can Your Kid Go to School After Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation?

Nitrous oxide sedation is an excellent choice for parents looking for a stress-free way to help their children undergo many common dental procedures. However, before having your child receive this treatment, it’s essential to understand how long it takes for the sedation to wear off so that you can create a plan to care for your child after the procedure.

How Long Does It Take for Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation to Wear Off?

The amount of time nitrous oxide lasts for a child can vary depending on factors like:

• Your child’s medications: Some medications cause a reaction with this gas and can affect how long it takes for the dental sedation to wear off.
• Your child’s age: Younger children often respond better to nitrous oxide, as they receive smaller dosages.
• The procedure: The type of procedure your child undergoes and its length can affect how long the nitrous oxide lasts.

Can Your Kid Go to School After Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation?

After removing the mask for nitrous oxide, your child will immediately begin the recovery process and will remain in the chair until they can get up and walk. However, some minor symptoms, such as grogginess and tiredness, can last after your child is able to leave our office and go home. If your kid does not feel their best, they should not return to school or daycare.

Some other side effects of nitrous oxide sedation that may occur and keep your child out of school or daycare include:

• Nausea: While nausea and vomiting are some of the rare side effects of this sedation, they can still happen. Dr. Dana Fox and Dr. Paul Fox both have experience with pediatric patients who vomit after receiving nitrous oxide and are ready to help your child by offering solutions to minimize the symptoms.
• Drowsiness: It is common for patients to feel drowsy after nitrous oxide sedation, which can make focusing at school difficult for them. As a result, it’s best to have your child go home after their procedure so that they can rest without the stress of school work.

Experience Stress-Free Dental Procedures With Our Team

Nitrous oxide sedation is an excellent option for children and parents looking for a safe way to reduce dental anxiety. At Sprout Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we have years of experience helping patients of all ages create positive dentistry experiences. We invite you to schedule an appointment today to learn more about our dental services and how nitrous oxide dental sedation can benefit your child.