Nitrous Oxide Sedation in Washington, D.C.

If you have skipped dental visits due to your fear of the dentist, you could benefit from nitrous oxide sedation at Ingber Dental. Our practice in Washington, D.C. features nitrous oxide sedation for long, complex procedures and to help patients with dental anxieties and fears during standard visits. Nitrous oxide (N₂O) gas is a proven sedation technique that helps you safely relax during your dental procedure. Commonly known as laughing gas, N₂O is used by Dr. Kenneth Ingber and his experienced team of dental professionals to keep you comfortable while you remain awake. Schedule a consultation to learn more about nitrous oxide and other sedation options during your dental visit.

Nitrous oxide is a very popular sedation technique and it can be used safely on children and adults alike. Prior to approving the use of nitrous oxide, we will go through your current medications, medical history, and concerns to ensure nitrous oxide gas is a good choice for you. N₂O sedation may be used for complex or short procedures in conjunction with local anesthesia to help reduce your discomfort. Nitrous oxide sedation may also be used to address dental anxieties or fears that keep you from visiting the dentist. Nitrous oxide gas might not be right for you if you have difficulty breathing through your nose, extreme phobias, have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other similar conditions.

Before the procedure begins, the nitrous oxide will be administered using a nasal hood. As you inhale the gas, it will quickly act and start relaxing you. A member of our team will monitor your health and response to the gas, and adjust the medication as necessary throughout the procedure so you remain relaxed. You could notice tingling in your arms and legs, as well as a feeling of warmth, vibration, and euphoria as the gas kicks in. Nitrous oxide is typically used alongside a local anesthesia, such as lidocaine to numb your mouth. After the procedure is complete, the gas will be turned off and the effects begin to subside shortly after.

Recovery from N₂O sedation is usually immediate as the gas is eliminated in under five minutes. You should be able to drive and resume your normal activities when you leave our office. Side effects are uncommon, but you could experience chills, sweating, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or headaches. Do not hesitate to contact our staff if you have any questions or concerns. To reduce the risk of nausea and vomiting, we suggest you eat a light meal before your procedure and then wait around three hours after you leave before consuming a heavy meal.

If you have dental insurance, our team will call your carrier to understand any potential benefits in regards to nitrous oxide sedation. This will help us calculate your out-of-pocket costs before your procedure. If you do not have dental insurance, Ingber Dental accepts many forms of payment, including medical financing, to help make your treatment and N₂O sedation more affordable.

If you avoid regular dental appointments or you are dealing with dental pain because of fear of the dentist, please consider a consultation to learn more about nitrous oxide sedation at our dental facility in Washington, D.C. Our skilled staff will be happy to answer your questions and address your concerns about the use of nitrous oxide sedation at Ingber Dental.