Nitrous Oxide Sedation in Brentwood, MD

At MINT dentistry, cutting-edge techniques and technology are utilized to help you achieve a stunning smile without discomfort or stress. We often consult with patients who wish to improve their smile but are hesitant about getting started because of dentophobia (fear of the dentist). If fear is holding you back from achieving your aesthetic goals, MINT dentistry can help. Our modern practice in Brentwood, MD offers nitrous oxide sedation for both routine cleanings and longer procedures to help keep patients comfortable throughout their visit. 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 used by MINT dentistry's board-certified doctors to help you feel more comfortable, but still be conscious. Schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified dentists to discuss using nitrous oxide gas at your next visit.

Nitrous oxide gas is one of the most popular sedation dentistry techniques available on the market. Nitrous oxide sedation can be used safely on most patients, both adults and children. Before nitrous oxide gas is used, your dentist will go through your medical history, current medications and conditions, as well as concerns to make sure nitrous oxide is the best option for you. N₂O sedation at MINT dentistry in Brentwood, MD may be offered during most procedures and is typically used along with local anesthesia so you are relaxed and comfortable. Nitrous oxide sedation can also be used for dental exams and cleanings if you have anxiety or fears about the dentist that make these appointments stressful for you. Nitrous oxide gas may not be recommended if you have trouble breathing through your nose, extreme phobias, have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or another serious medical condition that affects your breathing.

You’ll have the option to lay back in one of our massaging chairs and wear a pair of our MINT sunglasses and Beats headphones to help you fully relax. When you are settled in and ready, the nitrous oxide gas will be administered through a nasal hood. As you breathe normally to inhale the gas, it will quickly start relaxing you. A member of the MINT dentistry team will watch your vital signs and response to the gas, so they can adjust the volume during your appointment, so you remain relaxed and comfortable. It's normal to feel tingling in your legs and arms, plus a feeling of vibration, warmth, euphoria, or well-being as the nitrous oxide gas begins to work. Nitrous oxide is generally used along with a local anesthesia such as lidocaine to numb your mouth in the areas being treated. Once your procedure is done, the gas will be turned off and you will return to normal in a few moments as the nitrous oxide gas leaves your system.

The gas will leave your body after a few minutes, making your recovery fast. You will be allowed to drive and get back to your regular day. Side effects are uncommon, but you might experience temporary headaches, chills, sweating, nausea, vomiting, or fatigue. Contact our MINT team if you have concerning side effects. To decrease the chance of vomiting and nausea, we suggest you eat a light snack before your visit and then wait a minimum of three hours before you eat again.

Our front office will contact your insurance providers to confirm your coverage options regarding sedation before your appointment. This will help us better estimate your remaining costs. If you do not have dental insurance, MINT dentistry in Brentwood, MD accepts many forms of payment, including low-interest financing, to make your care and nitrous oxide sedation easier to afford. MINT dentistry is committed to helping you get your desired smile without unnecessary discomfort or fear. If you need help fitting your dental care into your budget, ask a member of our team for more information on the MINT Discount Plan for a way to save on your sedation and procedure.

Sedation dentistry may be an ideal solution if you’ve skipped biannual cleanings and are ignoring discomfort out of dental fear or anxiety. Please make an appointment to find out more about nitrous oxide dental sedation at MINT dentistry. Our highly trained dental practitioners will answer your questions and address your concerns about using nitrous oxide sedation. Get in touch with at our practice in Brentwood, MD today!