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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Excellent
Kids Dental Care5.0
Based on 137 reviews
Lesley M.
5 days ago
My 7 year old daughter was treated by John for a double extraction and Princess crowns over 2 visits. She was exceptionally nervous prior to her first visit, but John engaged with her over every aspect of her treatment, keeping her calm and answering all her questions. She took both visits all in her stride. A wonderful dentist for children... Where were you when I was growing up!? 😆
Laura M.
5 days ago
My 13 yr old son has always been nervous about the dentist so I was unsure how he would cope with getting 2 teeth removed. I needn’t have worried as John put him at ease straight away with his kind, friendly and supportive approach. He explained every part of the process to him and made him feel comfortable and reassured throughout. John and his team are fantastic and I would highly recommend them.
Donna A.
1 week ago
My son had to have an extraction under sedation as he was struggling to have it done with a local anaesthetic. John was amazing with him. So kind, reassuring and patient.
The Lil Wolf F.
2 weeks ago
I just want to say my daughter had a wonderful experience at this dentist. My daughter was needing a tooth extracted in order to proceed with orthodontic treatment however she has a terrible fear of needles and after several trips to different dentists we had no luck and we had totally lost hope. This is when John reached out and explained how he believed he could help. After the initial assessment my child felt so at ease, John chatted to her about her interests and explained the procedure building a mutual trust. I can now confirm she has had the tooth extracted, after so many failed attempts we are over the moon. John was able to relate to my daughter and carry out the procedure in ways other practises failed to do. She got to watch netflix, wear cool minecraft sunglasses and choose a flavour for her sedation mask. The extraction itself was done in under 10 seconds and we are honestly so grateful that she had a painless, comfortable and enjoyable experience! Highly recommend and we will most certainly be back. Thankyou so much!
Jemma C.
2 weeks ago
My little boy with ASD had a very bad experience at a well known NHS dentist. I contacted John, & he saw my son right away. He immediately put my son at ease & explained everything to him in the best child friendly way as possible. I'm so glad we have found a brilliant pediatric dentist. Going to the dentist now is a positive experience.
Almeqdad E.
3 weeks ago
I am a medical professional and I don't use those words lightly. If I could only rate you more than 5 stars I won't hesitate. Excellent reception, dental nurses were very professional and kind, and no words would describe Mr John McCall, you sir take your job with both pride and love, you made the experience fun for both, my daughter and I. Extremely clean and cosy clinic with excellent communication of options and great results from the first visit. I wouldn't want to go to the dentist twice, but won't mind at all if I am going back to yours.❤️
Elaine H.
4 weeks ago
Hands down the best paediatric dental service. I am delighted with how easy, calm and understanding John and his team are. The experience was wonderful for my son and everything was at his pace. I honestly can't recommend Kids Dental Care highly enough. What was needed was done efficiently and with so much care and aftercare. If my children need any dental care in the future John will be the first person I call.
Neil G.
2 months ago
My son has a massive phobia of the dentist. He went in this morning and had two fillings carried out and a tooth extracted. He actually couldn't believe how easy it was at the end up. Amazing service and dentistry work.
Team W.
2 months ago
Easiest 5 star review I’ve ever given. From start to finish I was so impressed with the care, attention to detail and professionalism of Hannigan Dental Care. My daughter was referred by our own dentist for sedation for an extraction because she was struggling with nerves. In the initial consultation and subsequent procedure, John took the time to explain everything that was going to happen in child-appropriate language. He was patient, understanding and used the right level of humour to put her at ease. Would 100% recommend to anyone.
K M.
3 months ago
Child required baby tooth removed and exposure of adult tooth. Lots of research as child is a very anxious patient. Read a review on John and contacted via email reply was professional and reassuring. First meeting with John immediately felt we had found the right clinician. Explanation into procedure with sedation was perfect for both child and parent we left feeling reassured. Procedure again John was extremely professional with a wonderful manner. I can't speak highly enough about John and the care he gave my child would highly recommend.
Melissa M.
3 months ago
John and his team really are amazing !!! , after months of visiting different dental practices we thought our only option was to get our daughters braces removed as she was too anxious to get the teeth out to continue with the treatment . John made her feel at ease and calm from the first visit and she remained calm throughout the whole process . John has a fabulous approach with the kids and took his time to explain everything in a child friendly manner . Highly recommend
Aisling B.
3 months ago
1st class from start to finish! My daughter was extremely anxious and John and his team made her feel so at ease. Everything was explained to her in ways that she could understand. Thank you so much!