Nitrous Oxide Sedation Washington, DC

As a premier facility in Washington, DC, MINT dentistry uses cutting-edge techniques and technology to help you obtain a chic smile without discomfort or stress. We often consult with patients who would like to improve their oral health but are nervous about getting started because of dental phobia or fears. If fear is holding you back from a healthy, attractive smile, MINT dentistry wants to help. Our advanced practice in Washington, DC uses nitrous oxide sedation for both routine cleanings and longer, more in-depth procedures to help keep patients comfortable during their visits. A safe and effective sedation method, nitrous oxide (N₂O) helps you safely relax without feeling groggy after. Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is offered by MINT dentistry's board-certified doctors to help you feel more comfortable, but still be awake. Schedule a consultation at our office to discuss adding nitrous oxide gas during your appointment.

Nitrous oxide is among the most common sedation dentistry techniques used at MINT dentistry and can be used on adults and children alike. Before nitrous oxide gas is used, our team will go through your current medications, medical history, and other concerns to make sure nitrous oxide sedation is the best option. N₂O sedation in Washington, DC can be used for most procedures and is often combined with a local anesthetic to make you fully comfortable. Nitrous oxide gas can also be used for standard dental cleanings and exams if you have dental anxieties or fears that make these appointments stressful. Nitrous oxide sedation may not be suitable if you have difficulty breathing through your nose, extreme dentophobia, have respiratory illnesses, or another serious medical condition that affects your breathing.

For your appointment, we will invite you to settle into one of our massaging treatment chairs, where you can settle in with a pair of Beats headphones and MINT sunglasses. Before your procedure begins, a nasal hood will be placed over your face to administer the nitrous oxide gas. As you breathe normally to inhale the gas, it will quickly start relaxing you. Your team of MINT dentistry professionals will monitor your response to the sedation and vital signs, adjusting the volume as needed throughout the procedure, so you remain comfortable. It's normal to feel tingling in your legs and arms, as well as a feeling of warmth, vibration, euphoria, or well-being as the sedation takes effect. Nitrous oxide is generally combined with lidocaine or another local anesthesia to numb the treated areas. After the procedure is complete, we will turn off the gas and the effects should quickly wear off.

You should recover quickly from nitrous oxide as the gas leaves your body after just a few minutes. You will be allowed to drive and get back to your regular day after your appointment. Side effects are uncommon, but you may experience temporary chills, sweating, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Contact our MINT team if your side effects last longer than three days or if you have any other concerns. To decrease your risk of nausea and vomiting, our team suggests you eat a light meal before your appointment and then wait a minimum of three hours before you eat again.

For patients who are using insurance, our front office will contact your carrier to determine your coverage regarding sedation. This will help us better calculate your out-of-pocket costs before your procedure. For patients who don't have insurance, MINT dentistry in Washington, DC takes several payment methods, including low-interest financing, which can make your procedure and nitrous oxide sedation more affordable. At MINT dentistry, we are committed to helping our patients achieve their desired smile without unnecessary discomfort or fear. If you need help fitting your dental care into your budget, ask your dentist about the MINT Discount Plan and whether it can help make your procedures and pain-management plan more affordable.

If you skip routine dental appointments or are ignoring the pain in your mouth due to anxiety or fear of the dentist, sedation dentistry could be an ideal solution for your needs. We invite you to contact us to learn more about nitrous oxide sedation at MINT dentistry. Our experienced dental practitioners will be happy to answer your questions and address your concerns about the use of nitrous oxide gas. Reach out to our practice in Washington, DC today!