Are you feeling anxious about your upcoming dental procedure? Do dental visits make you nervous or trigger your gag reflex? At David Eskow DDS in Olney, MD, we understand that dental anxiety is real and can prevent many patients from receiving the care they need. That’s why we offer nitrous oxide sedation dentistry – a safe, effective solution to help you relax during your treatment.
Our team of experienced dentists, Dr. David Eskow and Dr. John Chillari, prioritize your comfort and well-being. We’re committed to providing a positive dental experience in a warm, welcoming environment where patients of all ages can receive quality care without fear or discomfort.
Located conveniently at 18119 Cashell Road in Olney, Maryland, our practice combines advanced dental techniques with compassionate patient care. Recognized as a top dentist by Washingtonian Magazine 2025, our team is equipped to address your dental anxiety with proven sedation options.
What is Nitrous Oxide Sedation?
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” is a mild sedative agent that’s mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask placed over your nose. This colorless, odorless gas works quickly to produce feelings of relaxation and comfort, helping to ease dental anxiety during procedures.
Unlike other forms of sedation, nitrous oxide allows you to remain fully conscious and able to communicate with our dental team throughout your treatment. You’ll feel relaxed and slightly euphoric, but still aware of your surroundings. Many patients describe the sensation as a warm, pleasant feeling of calmness spreading throughout their body.
The effects of nitrous oxide are almost immediate and can be precisely controlled by our skilled dental professionals. The level of sedation can be adjusted as needed during your procedure, ensuring you remain comfortable from start to finish without experiencing excessive drowsiness.
How Nitrous Oxide Sedation Works
When you arrive for your appointment at our Olney dental office, our team will place a small mask over your nose through which the nitrous oxide and oxygen mixture flows. As you breathe normally, the sedative begins working within minutes, creating a sense of ease and relaxation.
Throughout your procedure, our dentists monitor your vital signs and comfort level, adjusting the sedation as needed. This personalized approach ensures you receive just the right amount of nitrous oxide to remain calm without feeling overly sedated. The gas has analgesic (pain-relieving) properties that help minimize discomfort during treatment.
After your dental work is complete, we switch the flow to pure oxygen for about five minutes, which clears the nitrous oxide from your system. Unlike other sedation methods that can leave you feeling groggy for hours, the effects of nitrous oxide wear off quickly, allowing you to resume normal activities almost immediately – including driving yourself home.
Benefits of Choosing Nitrous Oxide Sedation at David Eskow DDS
Quick-Acting with No Lingering Effects
One of the most significant advantages of nitrous oxide sedation is how quickly it works and how rapidly it leaves your system. Within just minutes of breathing the gas, you’ll feel its calming effects, and once your procedure is finished, the sedation wears off almost immediately.
This means no downtime after your appointment – you can return to work, school, or other daily activities without the grogginess associated with other sedation methods. For busy Olney residents with packed schedules, this convenience makes dental care more accessible and less disruptive to your routine.
Our patients appreciate that they can fit dental appointments into their day without needing to arrange for someone to drive them home or take time off to recover from sedation.
Safe for Patients of All Ages
Nitrous oxide has a long history of safe use in dentistry and is one of the few sedation options appropriate for both children and adults. Our dental team at David Eskow DDS has extensive experience administering nitrous oxide to patients of various ages and with different levels of anxiety.
For children who feel nervous about dental visits or have difficulty sitting still through procedures, nitrous oxide provides a gentle calming effect without putting them to sleep. Similarly, for adults with dental phobias or sensitive gag reflexes, this sedation method offers relief without the stronger effects of oral or IV sedation.
The gas is non-allergenic and non-irritating, making it suitable for patients with various medical conditions. Our dentists always review your medical history thoroughly before recommending any form of sedation to ensure it’s the right choice for your specific situation.
Ideal for Multiple Types of Dental Procedures
Whether you’re visiting our Olney dental office for a routine cleaning, filling, crown placement, or more complex treatment, nitrous oxide sedation can help make your experience more comfortable. This versatile sedation option works well for procedures of various lengths and complexity levels.
For patients with dental anxiety who might otherwise avoid necessary treatment, nitrous oxide creates a positive experience that can help build confidence for future dental visits. Many of our previously anxious patients now maintain regular preventative care appointments without fear.
At David Eskow DDS, we also combine nitrous oxide with our gentle approach to dentistry and compassionate patient care. Our team takes the time to explain procedures, answer your questions, and ensure you feel in control throughout your treatment.
When Nitrous Oxide Sedation Is Recommended
For Patients with Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety affects millions of Americans and ranges from mild nervousness to severe phobia that prevents people from seeking necessary care. If you experience increased heart rate, sweating, or feelings of panic when thinking about dental visits, nitrous oxide sedation may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Our Olney dental team specializes in treating anxious patients with sensitivity and understanding. We create a judgment-free zone where you can express your concerns and work with us to develop a comfortable treatment plan. Nitrous oxide helps break the cycle of dental anxiety by associating dental care with relaxation rather than stress.
Many of our patients report that after experiencing dental treatment with nitrous oxide sedation, they feel more confident about future appointments and some eventually become comfortable enough to undergo procedures without sedation.
For Children and Patients with Special Needs
Children, especially those receiving dental treatment for the first time, may feel frightened in the unfamiliar dental environment. Similarly, patients with special needs sometimes experience heightened anxiety or sensory sensitivities during dental procedures. Nitrous oxide provides a gentle way to help these patients receive the care they need.
The mild sedative effects help children remain calm while allowing them to stay awake and cooperative during treatment. For parents in the Olney area looking for a compassionate dental practice equipped to handle pediatric dental anxiety, David Eskow DDS offers the expertise and gentle approach your child deserves.
Our team is trained to explain procedures in age-appropriate language and use nitrous oxide in conjunction with other behavior management techniques to create positive dental experiences for young patients that set the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.
For Patients with Strong Gag Reflexes
An overactive gag reflex can make even simple dental procedures challenging for both patients and providers. If you’ve experienced this issue during previous dental visits, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Nitrous oxide helps reduce this reflex by relaxing the throat muscles and diminishing the sensation that triggers gagging.
For patients who require treatments involving the back of the mouth, such as dental impressions, crown placements, or work on rear molars, nitrous oxide can make these procedures significantly more comfortable. Our Olney dentists have helped many patients overcome gag reflex challenges through the careful use of sedation.
By combining nitrous oxide with proper positioning and gentle technique, we can complete necessary treatments efficiently while keeping you comfortable throughout the process.
Is Nitrous Oxide Sedation Right for You?
Safety Considerations and Medical History
While nitrous oxide is generally considered one of the safest forms of dental sedation, it’s not appropriate for everyone. Certain medical conditions or circumstances may require alternative approaches to managing dental anxiety. During your consultation at our Olney office, we’ll review your complete medical history to determine if nitrous oxide is a safe option for you.
Patients who are pregnant, have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or have certain vitamin B12 deficiencies may not be candidates for nitrous oxide. Additionally, those with severe claustrophobia might feel uncomfortable with the nasal mask used to administer the gas.
Our dentists at David Eskow DDS take a conservative approach to sedation, using it only when necessary and appropriate for your specific situation. We’ll discuss all available options and help you make an informed decision about your dental care.
What to Expect During Your Visit
If you and your dentist determine that nitrous oxide sedation is right for your upcoming procedure, we’ll provide detailed instructions on how to prepare. Unlike deeper forms of sedation, nitrous oxide typically doesn’t require fasting beforehand, though we may suggest eating lightly before your appointment.
Upon arrival at our Olney dental office, we’ll ensure you’re comfortable in the treatment chair before placing the small nasal mask. You’ll be asked to breathe normally through your nose as the nitrous oxide and oxygen mixture begins flowing. Within minutes, you’ll start feeling relaxed and at ease.
Throughout your procedure, our team constantly monitors your comfort level and can adjust the sedation as needed. We encourage you to communicate how you’re feeling at any point during treatment, as our goal is to provide the most comfortable experience possible.
Why Choose David Eskow DDS for Nitrous Oxide Sedation in Olney
At David Eskow DDS, our approach to sedation dentistry is built on experience, expertise, and a genuine commitment to patient comfort. Our dental team, including Dr. David Eskow and Dr. John Chillari, has extensive training in administering nitrous oxide safely and effectively.
Our modern dental office features state-of-the-art equipment for delivering precise amounts of sedation, and our staff regularly updates their knowledge through continuing education. This commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as a top dental practice in the Olney area.
Beyond our technical capabilities, what truly sets us apart is our patient-centered philosophy. We take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and tailor our approach to your individual needs. Many patients who have avoided dental care for years due to anxiety have found relief and comfort at our practice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nitrous Oxide Sedation
How long does nitrous oxide sedation last?
The effects of nitrous oxide begin within minutes of inhalation and dissipate just as quickly once the gas is turned off. Unlike other sedation methods, there’s no lingering grogginess – you’ll be able to drive yourself home and resume normal activities immediately after your appointment.
Will I feel anything during my dental procedure with nitrous oxide?
You’ll still be conscious and aware during your procedure, but you’ll feel relaxed and comfortable. The gas has mild analgesic properties that help reduce discomfort, though your dentist will still administer local anesthetic for procedures that would normally require it.
Is nitrous oxide sedation covered by dental insurance?
Coverage varies by insurance provider and policy. Our staff at David Eskow DDS will help verify your benefits before treatment and discuss any potential out-of-pocket costs. We believe cost concerns shouldn’t prevent you from receiving comfortable dental care and offer various payment options.
How do I prepare for treatment with nitrous oxide?
Unlike deeper forms of sedation, nitrous oxide typically doesn’t require special preparation. We generally recommend eating a light meal beforehand and arriving a few minutes early to your appointment to allow time for any questions before beginning sedation.
Can children receive nitrous oxide sedation?
Yes, nitrous oxide is one of the few sedation options considered safe and appropriate for children. Our team has extensive experience administering “laughing gas” to younger patients, helping them remain calm and cooperative during treatment.
Take the First Step Toward Anxiety-Free Dental Care
Don’t let dental anxiety prevent you from achieving the healthy smile you deserve. At David Eskow DDS, we’re committed to making your dental experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible through gentle techniques and effective sedation options like nitrous oxide.
Visit Us: 18119 Cashell Road, Olney, MD 20832
Call: 301.774.2000
Or Request an Appointment Online Today
Experience the difference that compassionate, patient-centered dental care can make. Our Olney dental team looks forward to helping you overcome dental anxiety and achieve optimal oral health with nitrous oxide sedation dentistry.