Inhalation Sedation for Kids Dental Treatments

Dental visits and treatment can sometimes feel overwhelming for children which is why we offer inhalation sedation. Inhalation sedation is a gentle and effective way to reduce anxiety and make dental treatments a more positive experience. Administered by our highly skilled dental team, this safe sedation option is designed to help children relax while remaining awake and responsive throughout their procedure. We are proud to offer both NHS and private sedation for children across Glasgow and Scotland.

What is Inhalation Sedation?

Inhalation sedation, often called “laughing gas” or “funny air,” is a blend of nitrous oxide and oxygen.

It helps children feel calm and at ease during dental treatments without putting them to sleep.

The sedative is administered through a small, comfortable hood placed over the nose, and its effects wear off quickly after the procedure.

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Child Getting Sedation
Teddy with Nasal Hood

How Does Inhalation Sedation Work?

Before the Appointment

You’ll attend an initial consultation where we assess your child’s suitability for sedation and confirm a treatment plan. This is on a separate day from treatment itself.

During the Appointment

The option of a scented or unscented mask delivers a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen.

Within minutes, your child will feel relaxed and possibly experience sensations like tingling, warmth, or floating.

They remain awake, able to talk and respond throughout the procedure.

After the Appointment

Recovery is quick—your child will breathe pure oxygen for a few minutes to eliminate the sedation effects.

They can return to regular activities soon after, though we recommend avoiding active sports for two hours.

Benefits of Inhalation Sedation

  • Reduces Anxiety: Helps children feel more comfortable, especially during lengthy or complex procedures.
  • Minimises Discomfort: Provides a gentle way to reduce pain sensitivity.
  • Quick Recovery: Effects fade within minutes after the mask is removed.
  • Safe for Kids: Widely recognized as a safe and effective sedation method when administered by trained professionals.
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Child with Nasal Hood

How Much Does Dental Inhalation Sedation Cost?

We are pleased to provide inhalation sedation at no cost under the NHS. However, due to the high volume of referrals from across Scotland, there is a waitlist for NHS appointments.

For private referrals and Kids Club members, appointments are available within four weeks, including convenient Saturday slots.

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Inhalation Sedation FAQs

What age is this treatment suitable for?

How quickly does inhalation sedation work?

Does my child need to fast before sedation?

How long does the procedure take?

Will nitrous oxide make my child laugh?

Is inhalation sedation safe?

What happens after the procedure?

Are there alternatives to nitrous oxide?

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Highly Rated with Excellent Customer Feedback

We are proud to have earned a growing number of 5-star reviews on Google, reflecting the care and expertise of our paediatric dental team in Glasgow.

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Sarah L.
Sarah L.
My teenage daughter is extremely needle phobic and needed adult teeth pulled for braces prep… after struggling with anxiety when our regular dentist removed one we were referred here!! Omg! What a difference, no needles, very calm and friendly, explaining every step before it happened in an age appropriate manner. Fantastic! The referral times are huge because of this but seeing your child calm and relaxed after seeing the alternative was a way better experience for both of us!
Stephanie B.
Stephanie B.
My wee girl had to have a tooth out recently and I cannot rate John and his team any hight. From start to finish he put myself and my daughter at ease, explaining every step of the process. My wee one had to have the 'happy gas' and was able to pick the smell of the gas, also was able to pick what she wanted to watch on the iPad and which funky glasses that she wanted. The process went smoothly from beginning to end and at the end she picked a toy from the toy chest. Thank you John and the team for making this experience as pain free as possible. Highly recommend!
Joanne F.
Joanne F.
Our daughter was referred to John as she had problems with her enamel on her molars (MIH)and a terrible fear of the dentist! John was absolutely amazing with her from the first meeting and all during her treatment. John provided us with all the information we needed to make a decision on treatment and answered all our questions along the way. The way he was with her was truly amazing putting her at ease and us.I would highly recommend John to anyone with children as i genuinely wish I’d had a dentist like him as a child.
Fraser D.
Fraser D.
John and all the staff at KDC were incredible. So much thought and care has gone into setting everything up, and for my 10-year-old getting his tooth out, he was confident throughout. We both completely trusted John, and he has such a rapport with children, it was unlike experiences we've had elsewhere. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend John and the team at KDC. Thank you for making it so easy.
Heather M.
Heather M.
My son had to have a tooth removed and John was fantastic. The initial appointment he explained to my 7 year old what would happen on the day. On the day he got to pick sunglasses a programme to watch and all stages were explained in a way my son was comfortable. The whole experience was so positive and we left happy with no issues. There were lots of laughs in the appointment and just an overall good experience for a bad situation of having a tooth removed.Thank you!!!!
Stephanie M.
Stephanie M.
Genuinely amazing, my little boy went from being scared to telling everyone about his friend the dentist that's amazing & waves to the building when we pass just incase John is looking out the window!
Amanda K.
Amanda K.
Would reccomend to anyone! Couldn't have asked for a smoother/more relaxed experience for our son to get his tooth out- the anesthetic wand is much more child appropriate than a jag and my son didn't feel a thing! He went to the park straight after having the tooth out! The dentist (i think john) was really good and explained things well for ourselves and also our son. Thank you!
Rachael R.
Rachael R.
I was recommended this dentist through a family member for my daughter who needed a filling, and was too anxious at our own dentist to receive treatment. John the dentist was brilliant and made the dentist a fun experience for my daughter and put her at ease throughout her treatment. Having things for children to distract them such as funny glasses, toys and allowing them to choose their favourite show to watch made the world of difference. It has changed my daughter’s view on the dentist and she cannot wait to come back for her next visit. John and his staff were so kind, friendly and patient with my daughter and I would highly recommend this dentist.
Arlene C.
Arlene C.
My 13-year-old son recently had four teeth removed at Hannigan Dental Practice with John, and the whole experience was excellent. John and the dental nurse were amazing with my anxious son — they were so friendly, patient, and reassuring, which really helped to put him at ease. I’m so grateful for the care and kindness they showed throughout the appointment.I would definitely recommend their services to others. Thank you so much again!
Julie M.
Julie M.
My teenage daughter needed 2 teeth removed prior to getting braces. John was brilliant with her and kept her from having a panic attack. He spoke to her and explained everything during the appointment. He successfully extracted her teeth with minimal sedation. I would recommend him 100%. I was very impressed.
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