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Nitrous Oxide Sedation
for Kids in Las Vegas

Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is a mild, odorless gas that helps your child feel calm and comfortable during a dental visit. It is breathed in through a small nasal mask and works within minutes.

At Kids Choice Pediatric Dentistry, we use nitrous oxide as a gentle first step for children who feel nervous, need a little extra support, or are visiting us for the first time.

Does Your Child Need Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide can help when your child:

  • Feels nervous or anxious about a dental visit
  • Is visiting the dentist for the first time
  • Has a strong gag reflex that makes treatment harder
  • Has a hard time sitting still for a short procedure
  • Has special healthcare needs that make visits more sensory sensitive

If any of these sound like your child, nitrous oxide may help them feel more at ease.

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How Nitrous Oxide Works


      1. Breathing It In

      A small, comfortable nasal mask is placed over your child's nose. Within minutes of breathing the gas, they begin to feel relaxed and at ease.

      2. Feeling Relaxed

      Your child stays fully awake and able to talk with our team throughout the visit. Most children describe the feeling as calm, warm, or floaty.

      3. Returning to Normal

      Once treatment is done, we switch back to pure oxygen for a few minutes. The effects clear quickly, and your child returns to normal almost right away.

Pediatric dental professional applying fluoride treatment to a child's teeth to help prevent cavities.

What to Expect During and After

We recommend your child eat a light meal in the two hours before their visit, since a heavy meal can sometimes lead to mild nausea.

Before we begin, we explain everything in simple, friendly words so your child feels prepared rather than worried. We avoid scary language and focus on the calm, floaty feeling they will experience.

Once the mask is removed and your child breathes normal air again, the effects clear within minutes. Most children feel completely back to themselves and can return to school, sports, or play the same day.

When Nitrous Oxide May Not Be Enough

Nitrous oxide works well for many children, but it is not the right fit for every situation. It may not be enough if your child:

  • Needs extensive dental treatment completed in one visit
  • Has severe anxiety that goes beyond mild nervousness
  • Is very young and cannot cooperate with the mask
  • Has nasal congestion that makes breathing through the nose difficult

In these cases, we may recommend general anesthesia instead, so your child can still get safe, comfortable care.
Explore our sedation options →

Smiling child holding a dental model during a comfortable and child-friendly fluoride treatment visit.
Why Choose Us

Why Parents Choose Nitrous Oxide

Back to normal activities the same day

Most kids can return to school or play right after their visit.

Safe and well studied

Nitrous oxide has no adverse effects on the heart, lungs, liver, or brain.

Keeps your child aware

They stay awake and able to communicate with our team the whole time.

No lasting effects

It wears off fast, with no grogginess or recovery time needed.

Works quickly

Your child begins to feel relaxed within minutes of starting.

F. A. Q

Frequently Asked Questions

What age can my child start nitrous oxide?

There is no strict minimum age. Dr. Ezeanolue evaluates your child’s temperament and ability to breathe comfortably through their nose to decide if nitrous oxide is a good fit, often starting from a young age.

Yes. Nitrous oxide is one of the safest sedatives in dentistry, with no adverse effects on the heart, lungs, liver, or brain. Your child stays awake and aware the entire time.

Yes. Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes, with no grogginess or recovery period. Most children return to school, sports, or play right after their appointment.

 Children with severe anxiety, nasal congestion, or a need for extensive treatment may need a different option, such as general anesthesia. Dr. Ezeanolue will help you choose what fits your child best.

 Cost depends on your treatment plan and insurance coverage. We accept Nevada Medicaid, CHIP, and many major insurance plans, plus in-house payment plans. Get in touch for details → 

Schedule Your
Child's Visit

Wondering if nitrous oxide is right for your child? Our team is here to help them feel calm and comfortable from the moment they walk in.

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