Nitrous oxide and oral sedation options for patients who feel anxious or uncomfortable during dental treatment.
Dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or a difficult past experience can make dental visits challenging. Burien Dental offers nitrous oxide and oral sedation to help eligible patients feel more relaxed during treatment, as part of the general and restorative dentistry we’ve provided in Burien for over 35 years. Whether either option is appropriate depends on your health history and the treatment you need.
Sedation Options at Burien Dental
Both options are forms of minimal sedation, meaning they help you relax while you stay conscious and able to respond.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
You breathe nitrous oxide through a small mask placed over your nose. It usually begins working within a few minutes and provides a mild calming effect. Nitrous oxide usually wears off quickly after treatment. We will confirm that you have recovered appropriately and provide transportation instructions based on your treatment and any other medications used.
Oral sedation
Oral sedation involves prescribed medication taken as directed by your dentist. It generally provides a stronger and longer-lasting calming effect than nitrous oxide, although individual responses vary and some patients become very drowsy. A responsible adult must drive you home after your appointment.
Nitrous oxide vs. oral sedation at a glance
| Nitrous Oxide | Oral Sedation | |
|---|---|---|
| How it’s administered | Breathed in through a nose mask | Prescribed medication taken as directed by your dentist |
| How quickly it works | Within a few minutes | Begins working more gradually than nitrous oxide |
| How long effects last | Usually wears off quickly after treatment | Longer-lasting; effects can linger after the visit |
| Driver required? | Usually not for nitrous oxide alone, but follow the instructions provided by your dentist | Yes, a responsible adult must drive you home |
| Who may benefit | Milder anxiety, shorter or routine visits | Stronger anxiety or longer appointments |
Who May Benefit From Sedation Dentistry
Sedation is not appropriate for everyone. It may be worth discussing with your dentist if you have:
- Dental anxiety or panic before or during appointments
- A difficult past dental experience
- A strong gag reflex
- Difficulty tolerating longer appointments
- A longer or more involved procedure planned, such as dental implant placement
- Delayed dental care because of fear
Whether sedation is appropriate also depends on your health history and medications, which we review first.
Why Patients Choose Burien Dental for Sedation Dentistry
We have served the Burien and Normandy Park area for more than 35 years and offer both nitrous oxide and oral sedation. Before recommending either option, we review your health history and medications to determine whether sedation may be appropriate for you, then provide clear preparation and recovery instructions. Our team has experience with longer and more complex procedures, and care is available in both English and Spanish.
Sarbjot and Dr. La Rota are the best! Their knowledge and care are top tier. Always gentle in my mouth and my son’s mouth. They explain everything in detail and with pictures so we understand everything.
Everyone was so gentle, patient, and genuinely caring. You can tell they really want people to feel comfortable and taken care of and it makes such a difference.
If you had dental anxiety this is a great place to go. I was super nervous before my first appointment because you never know if the providers will take your fears seriously but everyone that I have interacted with here has been great and very respectful. I have had a cleaning and a cavity filled and both times they took their time, didn't make me feel like they were in a rush and didn't make me feel like an inconvenience. I highly recommend them!
What to Expect
Medical history review. We review your health history, current medications, previous experiences with sedation, and any concerns about treatment. This helps your dentist determine whether sedation may be appropriate.
Choosing an appropriate option. Your dentist will discuss whether nitrous oxide, oral sedation, or treatment without medication is appropriate, based on your health history, anxiety level, and planned procedure. If oral sedation is recommended, we provide preparation instructions and explain transportation requirements.
Sedation and monitoring during treatment. You remain relaxed and able to respond while we monitor how you are doing. We will explain the treatment and check on your comfort throughout the visit.
Recovery and aftercare. Nitrous oxide usually wears off quickly, and we confirm you have recovered appropriately before you leave. After oral sedation, a responsible adult must drive you home. We also provide instructions about resting, eating, medications, and returning to normal activities.
Potential Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation may help:
- Reduce anxiety during treatment
- Make longer appointments easier to tolerate
- Manage a strong gag reflex
- Help some patients return to care after avoiding the dentist
- Improve comfort during more involved procedures
Nervous about your next visit? Tell us what concerns you, and we’ll explain the sedation options that may be appropriate for your care.
Schedule Appointment Now →How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost in Burien?
Sedation fees depend on the option recommended and the dental treatment being completed. The cost of treatment also depends on the complexity of your needs, and insurance coverage varies by plan. We provide an estimate before treatment begins.
We accept virtually all major dental insurance plans and are a preferred provider with Delta Dental PPO & Premier, Regence, Premera, Lifewise, and Guardian Dentalguard PPO. If you are out of network, we are happy to bill your insurance company for you, and we can provide a pre-treatment estimate to help you determine how much your plan will cover. We also accept HSA and FSA cards, and financing through Sunbit and Cherry is available to approved patients.
Meet The Dentists
Dr. La Rota – DDS
Lead Dentist | Burien, WA
Dr. La Rota received his dental degree at the University of Louisville and completed advanced training at VA Puget Sound in Seattle, specializing in complex care, oral surgery, and implant reconstructions.
He is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Dr. Everett – DDS
General Dentist | Burien, WA
Dr. Everett earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington and has practiced in the Pacific Northwest for nearly a decade. He has a calm, approachable style and
helps patients understand their tooth-replacement options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry in Burien, WA
Will I be asleep?
No. Nitrous oxide and oral sedation are forms of minimal sedation, intended to help you relax while remaining conscious and able to respond. You may feel drowsy, particularly with oral medication, and individual responses vary. You will be able to communicate with your dentist throughout the visit.
What's the difference between nitrous oxide and oral sedation?
Nitrous oxide provides a mild calming effect, begins working within minutes, and usually wears off quickly. Oral sedation generally provides a stronger, longer-lasting effect and requires a responsible adult to drive you home. Your dentist will recommend an option based on your health history, anxiety level, and planned treatment.
Can I drive home afterward?
It depends on the type of sedation used. Nitrous oxide usually wears off quickly after treatment, and we provide transportation instructions based on your treatment and any other medications used. After oral sedation, a responsible adult must drive you home.
Can sedation help with a strong gag reflex?
Sedation may make a strong gag reflex easier to manage by helping you relax during treatment. Your dentist will review your needs and determine whether sedation is appropriate.
How should I prepare for oral sedation?
Preparation depends on the medication prescribed and your health history. We will provide instructions about eating, drinking, regular medications, arrival time, and transportation before your appointment. Follow those instructions carefully, and contact the office with any questions.
What if I need a deeper level of sedation?
Burien Dental offers nitrous oxide and oral sedation. If your treatment requires a deeper level of sedation than we offer, your dentist will explain that during your consultation and discuss your options.
Does dental insurance cover sedation?
Coverage varies by plan and often depends on whether the sedation is considered medically necessary. Our team can help you review your benefits before treatment.
A Calmer Way to Get the Dental Care You Need
If dental anxiety has kept you from getting care, talk with the Burien Dental team about your options. We will review your health history, explain what to expect, and help determine whether nitrous oxide or oral sedation may be appropriate for your visit. You’ll be cared for by your experienced Burien dentists, serving Normandy Park and the surrounding area for over 35 years.
