Pediatric dental services
Laughing Gas for Kids in Sacramento
Some children need extra help to feel calm at the dentist. Laughing gas (nitrous oxide) is available at every Kids Dentist Plus office to help kids relax, so they can get the care they need as comfortably as possible.
Medi-Cal accepted
Extra help to feel calm
Gentle laughing gas, available at every office.
When laughing gas can help
Most children do well with a gentle, patient approach. Laughing gas may help children who feel anxious, need longer treatment, have special health care needs, or have a strong gag reflex.
Your child's dentist will review their medical history, talk with you about whether laughing gas is a good fit, and answer your questions.
How laughing gas works
Laughing gas (nitrous oxide) is a mild, breathed-in sedative.
A small nose mask
Your child breathes laughing gas through a small mask that rests over the nose.
Awake and relaxed
Your child stays awake and relaxed and can respond to us throughout the visit.
Wears off in minutes
The effects wear off within minutes after the mask comes off.
A plan made with you
We explain the benefits, risks and instructions first, so you can make an informed choice for your child.
Preparing for a laughing gas visit
- Share your child's full medical history, medications and allergies.
- Follow the eating and drinking instructions from your care team.
- Call us if your child gets a cold, stuffy nose, fever or breathing trouble before the appointment.
Laughing gas wears off quickly once the mask comes off, and most children feel like themselves again soon after the visit. Call us with any questions, any time.
Insurance and Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal generally covers sedation for dental treatment when it's medically necessary. Some cases need approval from your child's dental plan first, and our team takes care of that request. With other insurance, we'll check your benefits and review costs with you in advance.
Learn more in our Medi-Cal dental guide, or see how we care for children with special health care needs.
Laughing gas FAQs
Is laughing gas safe for children?
Nitrous oxide has a long safety record in pediatric dentistry when it's given by trained staff. We review your child's health history first.
Will my child be asleep?
No. With laughing gas, your child stays awake and relaxed, and the effects wear off within minutes after the mask comes off.
Can my child eat before a laughing gas visit?
Follow the eating and drinking instructions from your care team, because they're important for your child's comfort and safety.
Will my child remember the visit?
Usually, yes. With laughing gas, most children remember the visit but feel relaxed.
Does Medi-Cal cover laughing gas?
Usually, yes, when it's medically necessary. Some cases need approval from your child's dental plan first, and we handle that paperwork.
Ask about laughing gas at any of our offices
Start with a visit at the office closest to you:
Talk with us about laughing gas
Call (916) 226-6767, Monday–Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, or register online.