Close Menu

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

    What's Hot

    Updates on Kate Middleton’s Cancer Journey

    September 16, 2024

    Healthcare communities unite at IHH Singapore Sea Regatta

    September 14, 2024

    Researchers Unveil Speech Clues to Dementia

    September 13, 2024
    Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTok
    Facebook Instagram YouTube TikTok
    Medical Channel Asia
    • Health Conditions
      • FEATURED
        • Men’s Health
        • Women’s Health
        • Sports & Fitness
        • Foot Health
        • Sleep
      • CATEGORIES
        • Alternative & Traditional Therapies
        • Cancer
        • Children’s Health
        • Dental Health
        • Diabetes
      •  
        • Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT)
        • Eyes
        • Foot Health
        • Men’s Health
        • Mental Health
      •  
        • Muscles & Joints
        • Nervous System
        • Skin
        • Sports
        • Thyroid Disease
        • Women’s Health
    • Events
    • Ask a Doctor
    • Visit A Doctor
    • HCP Login
    Medical Channel Asia
    Home»Children's Health»National Dental Centre Singapore Easing Dental Anxiety in Children with “Laughing Gas”
    Children's Health

    National Dental Centre Singapore Easing Dental Anxiety in Children with “Laughing Gas”

    Gerald NgBy Gerald NgDecember 14, 2023
    Share Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS) has recently launched a nitrous oxide sedation service. It is specifically designed to alleviate dental anxiety in paediatric patients.

    Since its inception in June this year, this service has been instrumental in helping young patients relax during dental procedures. Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “Laughing Gas”, is a significant step forward in managing dental treatment anxiety, especially among children.

    Safer and Faster Alternative to General Anaesthesia

    Nitrous oxide sedation is a lower-risk alternative to General Anaesthesia (GA), particularly for complex dental treatments. It offers mild sedation, making it safer for the respiratory system and blood flow. Another advantage is its rapid elimination from the body, allowing for a quicker recovery.

    How It Works

    The process involves the inhalation of nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen through a rubber mask placed over the nose. This mild sedation helps the patient remain relaxed yet conscious during the procedure. Post-sedation, patients receive 100% oxygen for five minutes to prevent nausea or headaches, ensuring a comfortable recovery.

    Positive Feedback from Parents

    Parents like Mdm Norhayati Mahat, whose 10-year-old daughter underwent the treatment, have praised the service. She noted that her daughter felt comfortable and less nervous and was even willing to undergo the procedure again. Such feedback highlights the effectiveness of nitrous oxide in creating a positive dental experience for children.

    Expert Opinions

    Dr Bien Lai, Senior Consultant and Head of Paediatric Dentistry at NDCS, observed that children receiving this sedation were more relaxed and cooperative. “Our paediatric patients who received nitrous oxide sedation for dental treatment have been observed to be more relaxed, and better able to accept treatment and sit through the dental procedure. Nitrous oxide is an effective adjunct to our repertoire of behaviour management techniques.”,” he commented.

    Safety and Side Effects

    While the sedation level is minimal and generally safe, some common side effects like vomiting, nausea, dizziness, and light-headedness may occur. To date, 24 paediatric patients have benefitted from this service.

    Expansion to Adult Patients

    Looking ahead, NDCS plans to extend this service to adult patients at its Geriatric Special Care Dentistry Clinic (GSDC) in early 2024. Dr Yang Jingrong, Head and Consultant of GSDC, anticipates that this will help manage adults with severe dental anxiety, particularly those needing medical co-management. Dr Yang stated, “This will expand the profile of patients who can be adequately managed at the clinic, particularly adults with high levels of dental anxiety that require medical co-management.”

    Other Uses of Nitrous Oxide in Medical Care

    Apart from its well-known use in anaesthesia and dentistry, nitrous oxide finds its place in various other medical contexts. In childbirth, it serves as an effective pain management tool, offering a less invasive alternative to epidurals. Its application extends into emergency medicine, where it’s utilised for acute pain relief, such as in setting fractures or managing wound pain. In pediatric medicine, nitrous oxide aids in calming children during minor surgeries or diagnostic tests. Additionally, it’s employed for sedation in diagnostic imaging procedures like MRI or CT scans, which is particularly beneficial for patients with anxiety or those requiring stillness. There’s also emerging research into its potential use in treating certain mental health conditions, like treatment-resistant depression, exploring its mood-regulating effects.

    Future Research and Development

    NDCS is also planning a study to assess patient outcomes from the nitrous oxide sedation service, underlining its commitment to evidence-based care. This initiative not only enhances dental care for children but also paves the way for broader applications in adult dentistry, offering a more comfortable experience for patients with dental anxiety.

    Photo Credit: NDCS

    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Gerald Ng

    Gerald Ng is the current chief editor for Medical Channel Asia. Writing has always been his first love and he has more than a decade of journalism experience after falling in love with reading the newspapers daily growing up in Singapore. His works and interviews have appeared in various media publications including Yahoo!, Straits Times and Channel NewsAsia.

    Related Posts

    Men’s Health

    Woman Finds Out Husband has Genital Psoriasis After Three Years

    August 29, 2024
    Country

    Rising Mental Health Concerns Among Filipino Seafarers Highlighted in Recent Study

    August 29, 2024
    Baby Health

    DOH Emphasises Breastfeeding for Newborns as a Shield Against Diarrhoea and Infections

    August 28, 2024
    Elderly Health

    How a High Fruit Intake Might Combat Depression and TCM’s Take

    August 27, 2024
    Country

    Resident Doctor’s Alleged Suicide Due to Bullying in Medical Professional Education

    August 26, 2024
    Children's Health

    Understanding Common Childhood Conditions: Insights Paediatrician Dr Mohana

    August 25, 2024

    Subscribe to News

    Get the latest sports news from NewsSite about world, sports and politics.

    Editor's Picks

    Updates on Kate Middleton’s Cancer Journey

    September 16, 2024

    Healthcare communities unite at IHH Singapore Sea Regatta

    September 14, 2024

    Researchers Unveil Speech Clues to Dementia

    September 13, 2024

    The Lifeline of Trauma Care and Its Message For Road Safety

    September 13, 2024
    Latest Posts
    Advertisement
    Demo
    Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest Vimeo WhatsApp TikTok Instagram

    News

    • World
    • US Politics
    • EU Politics
    • Business
    • Opinions
    • Connections
    • Science

    Company

    • Information
    • Advertising
    • Classified Ads
    • Contact Info
    • Do Not Sell Data
    • GDPR Policy
    • Media Kits

    Services

    • Subscriptions
    • Customer Support
    • Bulk Packages
    • Newsletters
    • Sponsored News
    • Work With Us

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

    © 2025 ThemeSphere. Designed by ThemeSphere.
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms
    • Accessibility

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.