You pay at the time of your visit, and we’ll file your insurance claim for you — your insurance will reimburse you directly based on your plan’s coverage.
Our membership plans make it easy to prioritize your child’s oral health and overall wellness without the stress of insurance limitations or unexpected costs.
We’ll always provide detailed treatment estimates and work with you to find payment solutions that fit your family’s budget and healthcare goals.
Dental visits can feel like a big deal to a child, and for many kids, even a routine cleaning can bring on real anxiety. Fortunately, there is a simple, time-tested option that makes the experience far more comfortable: nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas. Delivered through a small mask that sits gently over the nose, it takes effect within minutes and wears off just as quickly, helping children relax without putting them fully to sleep.
At Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway, our approach is rooted in the belief that every child deserves dental care that honors their developing body. We are San Antonio’s first holistic pediatric dental practice, led by board-certified pediatric dentist Dr. Christi Wengler, who is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. We offer nitrous oxide as part of our broader commitment to minimally invasive, transparent care, always making sure parents understand exactly what goes into their child’s body before any treatment begins.
Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small nasal hood during treatment. It produces a calm, relaxed feeling that helps children stay still and comfortable throughout their appointment. Most kids describe a warm, tingly sensation and a general sense of ease.
Children respond particularly well to nitrous oxide because it acts quickly and is easy to adjust in real time. If a child seems too relaxed or not relaxed enough, we can modify the level immediately to find the right fit.
According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s best practices guidelines, nitrous oxide is a safe and effective technique for providing anxiolysis and conscious sedation in pediatric dental patients. Once the appointment is over, we administer pure oxygen for a few minutes to clear the gas entirely, and children are fully alert and ready to go by the time they leave.
Safety is always the first question parents ask, and it is a fair one. Nitrous oxide has one of the longest track records in dentistry and is considered one of the gentlest forms of sedation available. It does not require an IV, does not put children to sleep, and keeps them responsive and breathing on their own throughout the entire visit. Because children remain conscious, they can communicate if something feels uncomfortable, which gives both the provider and the parent real peace of mind.
We also take a thoughtful, whole-body approach to every sedation decision. Before recommending nitrous oxide, we review each child’s health history carefully, including any breathing concerns, nutritional factors, or developmental considerations. This is the kind of individualized evaluation that sets our pediatric dental care apart from a standard check-the-box approach.
Children with the MTHFR gene variant process certain substances differently, and nitrous oxide is one worth discussing with your child’s provider before treatment. At Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway, we do use nitrous oxide for children with the MTHFR mutation, but we take a more conservative approach, using a lower percentage and keeping the exposure time as brief as possible. We also encourage parents to support their child’s natural detoxification by supplementing with methylated B vitamins for a few days before and after the appointment, as well as focusing on a diet rich in B vitamins during that window. These simple steps can make a meaningful difference, and they reflect exactly the kind of whole-body, informed care that guides everything we do.
Not every child needs sedation, but for those who do, nitrous oxide is often the most appropriate starting point. It is especially useful for the following situations:
These are general indicators, and the decision is always made in close conversation with parents based on the child’s unique needs and history.
Experience the difference that holistic pediatric care can make for your child. Our comprehensive approach combines gentle techniques with transparent communication to create positive dental experiences that last a lifetime. We’re here to partner with you in supporting your child’s overall health and development through expert oral care.
From fluoride-free alternatives to airway-focused orthodontics, we offer the choices and expertise your family deserves. Schedule your consultation today and discover how our unique approach can benefit your child’s health and wellness journey.
When your child arrives for a visit that includes nitrous oxide, the process is calm and straightforward. We walk children through every step in advance so nothing comes as a surprise. The nasal mask is introduced slowly and gently, and we stay in constant communication throughout. Many children actually enjoy the floaty, relaxed feeling and have no memory of any stress after the appointment. During your new patient exam, we discuss whether nitrous oxide is a good fit and answer any questions you may have.
Parents are encouraged to be present and involved because we believe informed, empowered parents are a key part of a positive dental experience for their child. Our preventive dentistry philosophy extends into every sedation decision we make, prioritizing the least intervention necessary to achieve a calm, successful visit.
Wellness Pediatric Dentistry is proud to be Castle Hills and San Antonio’s first holistic pediatric dental practice. Dr. Christi Wengler brings a unique combination of credentials to every appointment, including a Bachelor’s in Nutritional Sciences, certification as a Lactation Counselor, and advanced training through Airway Health Solutions and the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine. We are also a woman-owned, out-of-network practice by choice, which allows us to prioritize higher-quality materials and more personalized care.
We offer flexible payment options, including membership plans and financing through Cherry and CareCredit, so access to thoughtful pediatric dental care does not have to be out of reach. If you are wondering whether nitrous oxide is the right choice for your child or simply looking for a practice that takes a more transparent, whole-body approach to kids’ dentistry, we would love to connect with you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
