At Artistic Family Dentistry of Silver Spring, our goal is to make every visit calm, comfortable, and stress-free—especially when oral surgery is involved. We understand that even the thought of a procedure can be nerve-wracking for some patients, so we offer safe and effective sedation options that allow you to relax from start to finish.

Whether you need a tooth extraction, dental implant, or bone graft, our Silver Spring dental practice will help you choose the sedation method that fits your comfort level and treatment plan.

Why Sedation Might Be Recommended

Sedation dentistry is an important part of our comprehensive dentistry approach, making oral surgery smoother, easier, and more comfortable. It helps relieve anxiety, minimize discomfort, and allows us to complete treatment efficiently while keeping you completely safe.

We may recommend sedation for several reasons:

  • To ease dental anxiety or fear
  • To make long or complex procedures feel shorter
  • To prevent soreness from muscle tension or jaw strain
  • To help patients with a sensitive gag reflex or difficulty sitting still

Our team, led by Dr. Esther de Chantal Ngo Bikoi, DDS, will review your medical history and comfort preferences to determine the best option for you.

Our Sedation Options at a Glance

We offer three proven sedation options—nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Each provides a distinct level of relaxation, and we’ll help you determine which one best suits your needs and health status. Every option is carefully monitored from start to finish for your safety and peace of mind.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide, often called “laughing gas,” is a mild sedative that helps you feel relaxed while remaining fully awake and aware. It’s delivered through a small nasal mask and begins working within minutes.

  • Ideal for mild anxiety or shorter procedures
  • Quick recovery—you can drive home shortly after your visit
  • Adjustable levels during treatment for personalized comfort
  • No fasting or downtime required

Nitrous oxide is perfect for patients who want a little help staying calm without lingering grogginess afterward.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation uses a prescribed pill taken before your appointment to help you reach a deeper level of relaxation. You’ll remain responsive but may feel drowsy and remember little of the procedure.

  • Ideal for moderate anxiety or longer procedures
  • Requires a driver to and from the appointment
  • Provides amnesia-like effects for patients who prefer not to recall the procedure
  • Lasts for several hours, so you can rest comfortably afterward

Oral sedation is a great middle ground for patients who need stronger relaxation than nitrous oxide but want to avoid IV sedation.

IV Sedation

IV sedation provides the deepest level of relaxation available in our office. Medication is administered intravenously, and the level of sedation is continuously adjusted throughout your treatment. You’ll feel deeply calm, with little to no memory of the procedure.

  • Ideal for high anxiety or complex oral surgeries
  • Quick onset and adjustable during treatment
  • Requires fasting before your appointment and a driver afterward
  • Carefully monitored for safety at all times

IV sedation allows us to complete more work in one visit while keeping you completely comfortable.

How We Personalize Your Sedation Plan

No two patients are alike, so your comfort plan will be tailored to your unique needs. We’ll discuss your goals, explain your options, and review your health history to ensure safe and effective care.

We prioritize conservative options whenever possible, always aiming for the lightest level of sedation that achieves full comfort. If necessary, we’ll coordinate with your physician for additional medical guidance before your procedure.

Factors We Consider

When designing your sedation plan, we look at several key factors:

  • Your anxiety level and dental history
  • The type and length of your oral surgery
  • Any medical conditions, medications, or allergies
  • Your transportation and recovery arrangements

This detailed review ensures your comfort and safety throughout the entire process.

Safety Protocols and Monitoring

Your well-being is our highest priority. We adhere to strict safety standards and utilize advanced monitoring equipment during all sedated procedures.

Our safety measures include:

  • Continuous monitoring of oxygen levels, heart rate, and blood pressure
  • A dedicated team trained in sedation and emergency readiness
  • Clear pre- and post-procedure instructions for you and your escort

With our advanced dental technology, including digital imaging and precise anesthesia delivery systems, you can feel confident knowing your care is in good hands.

What To Expect Before, During, and After Sedation

Knowing what to expect makes your experience more comfortable. Here’s how we prepare you for a smooth and stress-free visit.

Before Your Appointment

Preparation depends on the type of sedation you choose. We’ll review your personalized checklist with you during your consultation.

  • Follow fasting instructions if required (for oral or IV sedation)
  • Take only approved medications as directed
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing
  • Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home (for oral or IV sedation)

We’ll confirm all details with you in advance so you can arrive feeling confident and ready.

During Your Procedure

Once you arrive, we’ll review your comfort plan, answer any final questions, and begin your sedation. You’ll drift into a relaxed state as we perform your procedure with gentle precision.

  • You’ll remain monitored and comfortable the entire time
  • Local anesthesia is still used for complete pain control
  • We’ll communicate with you throughout, adjusting as needed

Most patients describe the experience as calm, dreamlike, and surprisingly fast.

Aftercare and Recovery

Recovery times depend on the type of sedation used. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly, while oral and IV sedation require rest for the remainder of the day.

  • Expect mild drowsiness and slower reflexes for 12–24 hours after oral or IV sedation
  • Avoid driving, operating machinery, or signing legal documents until fully alert
  • Follow our home-care instructions carefully for best healing results

We’ll review your personalized aftercare plan before you leave to ensure a smooth recovery.

Procedures That May Benefit From Sedation

Sedation can enhance comfort and efficiency for a wide range of oral surgery and restorative procedures. We often recommend it for:

  • Tooth extractions (including wisdom teeth)
  • Bone grafting or ridge preservation
  • Dental implants placement
  • Gum or soft-tissue procedures
  • Full-mouth reconstruction or multiple treatments in one visit

You can learn more about these options on our oral surgery page.

Costs, Insurance, and Financing

We provide transparent information about sedation costs before your treatment. While coverage varies by plan, we’ll help you understand your options.

  • Many insurance plans cover sedation for oral surgery or lengthy procedures
  • We’ll assist with pre-authorizations if applicable
  • Flexible financing options are available for out-of-pocket costs

Our team will help you plan ahead so there are no surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry

We understand that patients often have questions about sedation and safety. Below are some of the most commonly asked questions we receive.

It depends on the type of sedation. Nitrous oxide typically does not require fasting, but oral and IV sedation usually do. We’ll give you detailed written instructions for your appointment.

Always discuss your current medications with us in advance. Some may need to be adjusted or paused temporarily. We’ll coordinate with your physician when necessary to ensure your safety.

If you choose oral or IV sedation, yes—you’ll need a responsible adult to drive you home. Nitrous oxide patients can usually drive themselves, but we’ll confirm based on your individual plan.

Yes. When managed properly, sedation is safe for most patients, including those with dental anxiety or controlled health conditions. We’ll tailor your dosage and monitoring to your needs for the safest experience possible.

Why Choose Our Office for Sedation and Oral Surgery

At Artistic Family Dentistry of Silver Spring, we combine advanced technology, a calm environment, and a compassionate approach to make every patient feel at ease. Dr. Esther de Chantal Ngo Bikoi and our team use the latest techniques and advanced dental technology to ensure your care is efficient, precise, and stress-free.

Our philosophy, Zen Dentistry, reflects our belief that calm, confident care leads to better experiences and results. From gentle communication to modern sedation options, we’re here to make oral surgery feel easier than you imagined.

Schedule Your Sedation Consultation in Silver Spring

If you’ve been putting off a needed procedure because of fear or anxiety, we can help you take the next step with confidence. At Artistic Family Dentistry of Silver Spring, we’ll review your sedation options and create a personalized comfort plan that fits your needs.

Contact our team to learn more or schedule a consultation today. Call (240) 641-5828 to discover how modern, compassionate dentistry can help you relax through your next oral surgery.