Inhalation Sedation in Hellesdon, Norwich

Nervous/Anxious Patients » Inhalation Sedation / Relative Analgesia

What is inhalation sedation?

This is one of the forms of sedation dentistry administered to patients, especially nervous patients or those suffering from dental phobia.

Inhalation sedation is a light form of sedation It is a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen breathed through a nosepiece/rubber cup which fits comfortably over the nose. This helps your child to feel relaxed and accept treatment more easily.

Inhalation sedation is also known as 'happy gas/air'. Inhalation sedation is NOT general anaesthesia, and does not make you go to sleep.

What will you feel?

During inhalation sedation you can feel:

• relaxed
• floating
• slightly drowsy but not asleep
• slightly warm
• tingling in the feet or hands

You will be awake and conscious throughout the procedure and will be able to talk.

How quickly does it work?

Inhalation sedation takes a few minutes to become effective and also a few minutes to recover from at the end of the procedure.

Inhalation sedation is a safe and recommended form of sedation for children or patients undergoing minor procedures.

Before the appointment:

• If possible, arrange the appointment early in the day, which helps reduce stress and anxiety and children are less tired.
• Please contact our team if you develop a cold (inhalation sedation does not work if you have a cold or a blocked nose).
• A written consent form is required to be signed by the person with parental responsibility before treatment under inhalation sedation.

On the day of the appointment:

• Loose clothing should be worn.
• Fasting is NOT required. A child should have a light meal approximately an hour or two before the appointment.
• Greasy/oily food should not be eaten as it can make the child feel nauseous during treatment.
• A responsible adult must accompany the child.
• Inform the dentist if your child's health or medication has changed.

After the treatment:

• After inhalation sedation, the child should avoid active sports, swimming, cycling, dancing, skating, crossing the road on their own for the rest of the day.

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