The thought of your child needing dental treatment can be stressful enough without hearing words like “sedation” or “anesthesia.” You may wonder: Will my child be awake during the procedure? Will they feel pain or remember what happened? Is laughing gas enough, or could general anesthesia be necessary? Although nitrous oxide and general anesthesia can both help children get through dental procedures more comfortably, they work very differently and are used for different situations. Understanding those differences can help parents feel more prepared when discussing treatment options with their child's dental team.