By Dr. Mali Dental Clinic
At Dr. Mali Dental Clinic, we know that many children (and parents!) feel nervous about dental treatment. That’s why we offer inhalation sedation — a safe and gentle way to help your child feel relaxed during their appointment.
In this blog post, we’ll explain what inhalation sedation is, how it works, and when it might be recommended for your child.
Inhalation sedation, also known as “happy gas” or “laughing gas”, uses a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen to help your child feel calm and comfortable during dental treatment.
It is breathed in through a small nosepiece, and within a few minutes, your child will feel more relaxed, a bit floaty, and less aware of what’s going on around them — but they will stay awake the whole time.
Once the treatment is finished, the gas wears off quickly, and your child can usually go home shortly afterwards.
Yes, inhalation sedation is very safe. It has been used in the UK for many years and is approved by the NHS and the General Dental Council for use in children. The effects are mild and wear off quickly after the gas is turned off.
At Dr. Mali Dental Clinic, our team is specially trained to deliver sedation safely and gently, following all national safety guidelines.
Inhalation sedation is often helpful for children who:
It can make appointments much more manageable and positive — helping to build your child’s confidence for future visits.
Here’s what typically happens during an inhalation sedation appointment:
No special preparation is usually needed for inhalation sedation, but we recommend explaining to your child in simple terms that they’ll be breathing in a special kind of air that helps them feel calm and brave.
There’s no need to fast beforehand, and your child can usually return to normal activities shortly after their appointment — though we recommend taking it easy for the rest of the day.
Unlike general anaesthetic, where a child is fully asleep and treated in hospital, inhalation sedation is carried out in the dental chair while your child stays awake. It’s a much lighter form of sedation and is often a great first step for nervous children.
Our team is experienced in working with children of all ages and needs. We take a gentle, friendly approach and will always explain things clearly to both you and your child. If we think inhalation sedation is suitable, we’ll talk you through all the options during your consultation.
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