After Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
What to expect after nitrous oxide was used to help your child relax during treatment.
- Most children recover quickly after nitrous oxide
- Follow any individual instructions our team gave you today
- Tell us about persistent nausea, dizziness, or unusual sleepiness
- Local anesthesia may still leave part of the mouth numb after the nitrous has worn off
What to expect
Nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen helps many children feel relaxed and comfortable during treatment. Its effects wear off quickly once the gas is stopped and your child breathes oxygen, and we confirm your child has recovered before you leave the office.
At home
Most children can return to their usual activities once they have fully recovered and our team has cleared them to leave. If your child also received local anesthesia, keep up the numb-lip and cheek precautions until feeling returns — that part outlasts the nitrous. Follow any specific eating, activity, or medication instructions from today’s visit.
If your child received sedative medications in addition to nitrous oxide, the sedation discharge instructions you were given are the ones to follow — they take priority over this page.
Call us if…
- Nausea, dizziness, or unusual sleepiness that persists after you get home
- Anything about your child’s recovery that seems unusual or concerns you
Coastal Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics · (619) 562-5437 · coastalkidsdo.com/handouts/after-nitrous-oxide
Sources & standards
This guidance is aligned with the standards of care of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: AAPD Oral Health Policies & Recommendations