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Nitrous oxide & sedation
For kids who need more support than a slow pace and a good explanation — from a light dose of laughing gas to full sedation dentistry through Chappaqua Smiles.

WHAT’S INCLUDED
Support options, in plain language.
01
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
A light dose through a mask. It is the most commonly used and best-studied sedation option in pediatric dentistry, and it wears off within minutes of removing the mask.
02
Slow pace first
Most anxious kids do fine with nitrous oxide and our slow-pace approach. The consult decides what fits your child.
03
Sedation dentistry through Chappaqua Smiles
Reserved for extensive treatment or significant anxiety that hasn’t responded to other approaches. Continuous monitoring by trained staff for the full procedure.
BY AGE
How we decide what your child needs.
Consult first
We’ll talk it through with you at a consult — nitrous versus sedation is not a one-size answer.
When nitrous is often enough
Most anxious kids do fine with nitrous oxide and a slow pace.
When sedation is considered
Extensive treatment, or significant anxiety that hasn’t responded to other approaches.
Questions parents ask about sedation
Yes. It’s the most commonly used and best-studied sedation option in pediatric dentistry, and it wears off within minutes of removing the mask.
We’ll talk it through with you at a consult — most anxious kids do fine with nitrous oxide and our slow-pace approach; sedation is reserved for extensive treatment or significant anxiety that hasn’t responded to other approaches.
Yes, continuously, by trained staff for the full procedure.
Due for a cleaning?
Other kids’ care
No insurance?

WHO YOU’LL SEE
Dr. Gomez does the checkup herself.
Every preventative visit ends with her sitting down with you — what she saw, what to watch, and what it costs — before you leave the room.
