Nitrous Oxide Sedation (Laughing Gas) in Bethesda & Chevy Chase, MD

If you have been avoiding appointments due to dental fears and anxieties, learn more about nitrous oxide sedation at Smiles of Chevy Chase. Our dental office in Chevy Chase, MD offers nitrous oxide sedation for both longer procedures and to help patients with dental anxieties and fears during regular appointments. Nitrous oxide (N₂O) gas is an effective sedation method that can help you safely relax during your appointment. Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is used by dentist Dr. Despina Markogiannakis to help you feel more comfortable while still being awake. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Markogiannakis to discuss using nitrous oxide or another form of sedation during your appointment.

Nitrous oxide is one of the most common sedation techniques, and it can be used safely on both adults and children. Before nitrous oxide gas is used, Dr. Marko will go through your medical history, current medications, and concerns to ensure nitrous oxide gas is a good choice for you. N₂O sedation may be used for longer or minimally invasive procedures in conjunction with local anesthesia to help minimize your discomfort. Nitrous oxide sedation may also be used if you have dental anxieties or fears that keep you from visiting the dentist. Nitrous oxide gas may not be suitable if you have difficulty breathing through your nose, extreme phobias, have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other similar conditions.

Before your procedure begins, the nitrous oxide gas will be administered through a nasal hood. As you gently breathe in the gas, it will quickly act and start relaxing you. Dr. Markogiannakis or a member of her team will monitor your health and response to the gas and adjust the volume as needed throughout the procedure, enabling you to remain comfortable. You may notice tingling in your arms and legs, as well as a feeling of warmth, euphoria, or wellbeing as the gas takes effect. Nitrous oxide is normally used along with a local anesthesia, such as lidocaine, to numb your mouth. Once the procedure is complete, the gas will be turned off and the effects should quickly wear off.

Recovery from N₂O sedation is usually immediate as the gas is eliminated within 3 – 5 minutes. You should be able to drive and resume your normal activities when you leave our office. Side effects are uncommon, but you may experience headaches, chills, sweating, nausea, vomiting, or fatigue. Please contact our office if you have any concerns, or if your side effects last longer than a few days. To minimize the risk of nausea and vomiting, Dr. Marko suggests that you eat a light meal before your procedure and wait at least three hours after you leave before eating a large meal.

If you have dental insurance, our office will contact your carrier to understand your coverage and benefits regarding nitrous oxide sedation. This will help us better estimate your out-of-pocket costs before your procedure. If you do not have dental insurance, Smiles of Chevy Chase accepts many forms of payment, including medical financing, to help make your treatment and N₂O sedation more affordable.

If you regularly skip out on routine dental appointments, or if you're constantly ignoring dental pain because of fear or anxiety of seeing the dentist, please schedule a consultation with experienced dentist Dr. Markogiannakis to learn more about nitrous oxide sedation at our office in Chevy Chase, MD. Dr. Markogiannakis and her highly trained staff will be happy to answer your questions and address your concerns about the use of nitrous oxide sedation at Smiles of Chevy Chase.