Nitrous Oxide Sedation

 At Smiles of Chevy Chase in the Greater Washington area, led by Dr. Despina Markogiannakis, we offer nitrous oxide sedation to help patients relax during dental procedures. 

Benefits of Nitrous Oxide Sedation

There are many advantages to choosing nitrous oxide sedation for your dental appointment at Smiles of Chevy Chase. Some of the many benefits of the use of nitrous oxide for sedation dentistry include:

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The Safest, Easiest Way To Relax During Dental Appointments

No one looks forward to dental procedures, but modern sedation dentistry options like nitrous oxide can help ease anxiety and discomfort. At Smiles of Chevy Chase in the Greater Washington area, led by Dr. Despina Markogiannakis, we offer nitrous oxide sedation to help patients relax during dental procedures. This safe, effective sedation method allows you to remain conscious while minimizing pain and anxiety. Read on to learn all about nitrous oxide sedation dentistry and how it can improve your next dental visit, or call our Chevy Chase dental office at 301-652-0656.

What Is Nitrous Oxide Sedation?

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” is a safe, mild sedative mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask placed over your nose. As you breathe in the laughing gas, it helps you feel more relaxed and calm. Many patients experience a light, floating sensation under nitrous oxide, and may feel like they just “took a little nap” during their appointment.

Nitrous oxide is a type of conscious sedation, so it does not put you to sleep. You remain conscious enough to hear your sedation dentist’s instructions and respond to questions. However, it does induce a state of relaxation (twilight sleep) that can significantly reduce anxiety and discomfort during dental procedures. This makes dental treatments like dental fillings, tooth extractions, root canals, and dental crowns much more pleasant.

Who Qualifies for Nitrous Oxide Sedation?

Nitrous oxide sedation is suitable for most adults and many older children. Good candidates for use of nitrous oxide include:

Nitrous oxide can be used alone or along with local anesthetic, depending on your needs for a given procedure. It’s important to discuss all your options with Dr. Markogiannakis at your consultation appointment.

Preparing for Your Nitrous Oxide Sedation Appointment

Taking a few steps to prepare for your nitrous oxide sedation appointment helps ensure your visit goes smoothly. Some of the steps you should take before sedation dentistry with nitrous oxide include:

What to Expect During Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Dr. Markogiannakis and our team take special care to ensure your nitrous oxide sedation experience is safe and comfortable from start to finish. Here’s a general overview of what to expect:

Recovery from Nitrous Oxide Sedation

The effects of nitrous oxide wear off very quickly once you stop inhaling the gas. Within five to 10 minutes, you’ll be back to feeling normal. Most people feel refreshed and energized after using nitrous oxide for sedation. There is no “hangover” feeling like with some other sedatives.

You’ll be monitored for a brief period in the recovery room until Dr. Markogiannakis is satisfied you have returned to your normal state. You’ll then be free to drive yourself home and resume your usual activities. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work or school right after their dental procedure if laughing gas is used.

Most patients feel a bit mentally fuzzy directly after the procedure. While laughing gas usually wears off quickly, we still recommend avoiding operating hazardous machinery or making any big decisions for the rest of the day. Also, consider having someone drive you to your appointment so you don’t have to worry about driving. Otherwise, take a taxi or rideshare home if you don’t feel completely back to normal after your appointment.

Improve Your Next Dental Visit with Nitrous Oxide Sedation!

If you experience dental anxiety or want a more relaxing visit, nitrous oxide sedation dentistry can help. Smiles of Chevy Chase provides this safe, effective option to patients in Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Somerset, Forest Hills, and surrounding areas. Contact our friendly team at 301-652-0656 to schedule a consultation. We look forward to discussing how nitrous oxide can provide sedation dentistry tailored to your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Your sedation dentist customizes the ideal nitrous oxide dosage for each patient based on factors like age, weight, health history, and more. They carefully monitor its effects throughout the procedure to adjust the dosage for optimal sedation.

Many dental insurance plans do cover a portion of the cost of nitrous oxide sedation. Check with your specific insurance provider to understand your benefits. Even without coverage, the additional out-of-pocket expense for nitrous oxide is relatively minimal yet makes a big difference in comfort.

Yes, when administered by a trained professional, the use of nitrous oxide has an excellent long-term safety record. It’s not harmful to your body like some sedatives when used for dental procedures.

No, nitrous oxide provides sedation, but you will remain awake and able to respond to touch and verbal cues. You may feel like you slept through parts of the procedure but will not lose full consciousness. Only general anesthesia with an anesthesiologist fully sedates patients.