It is perfectly normal to feel some level of anxiety about dental appointments. If you need help relaxing during your visit with our dentists, call Smile Loft Dental at Hillandale at 301-445-5821 and let us know. We offer nitrous oxide in Silver Spring, Maryland, to help you relax during your visit with Dr. Kashyap Patel or Dr. Priya Patel.
You may benefit from nitrous oxide if you struggle with nervousness or moments of anxiety during dental treatment. Nitrous oxide (N2O), also called laughing gas, is a chemical compound made of nitrogen and oxygen that enables you to feel more relaxed and comfortable during your treatment. It can be administered safely through a mask that fits gently over your nose and will help you to feel calm, still permitting you to hear and interact with our dentists throughout the treatment. As soon as we remove your mask, the effects will begin to gradually wear off, permitting you to drive home safely after the treatment is completed.
We often recommend nitrous oxide to patients who have difficulty with dental anxiety or other dental phobias. Due to its mild and simple application process, this sedative option is commonly used with young children who prefer a noninvasive sedation. Laughing gas is a colorless and near odorless gas that has a faintly sweet smell and does not commonly cause nausea. This sedative can be used to reduce chances for gagging and also significantly increase tolerance in the patient for longer procedures.
If you would like to learn more about the many benefits of nitrous oxide, we welcome you to contact us today or visit our office to meet with our dentists!
Frequently Asked Questions
Nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas, is a safe, mild sedation gas that helps you feel relaxed and comfortable while remaining awake during your dental procedure. It’s delivered through a small mask over your nose.
This sedation option is ideal for patients with dental anxiety, nervousness, or a sensitive gag reflex, and it’s often used for both adults and children who need extra comfort during treatment.
Yes — with nitrous oxide you remain conscious and can hear and respond to your dentist while feeling calm and relaxed throughout your visit.
The effects begin quickly once you start breathing the gas and fade rapidly after the mask is removed, so you can typically drive yourself home afterward.
Nitrous oxide is nearly odorless with a slight sweet scent, and most patients tolerate it well; nausea is uncommon.
Yes — when administered by trained professionals, nitrous oxide is considered a safe form of minimal sedation for both children and adults to help ease anxiety during dental care.