If the Dentist Is the Problem, We Can Work Around That - Sedation Dentistry in Everett, WA
Some people put off dental care for years because of how it makes them feel. That’s more common than you’d think, and it’s fixable. Nitrous oxide and oral sedation, so treatment happens without the part you’re dreading. Trusted by Everett families with 330+ reviews, 4.9 stars on Google.
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Call ahead and we’ll find a time that works for you.
Why Patients Choose Us
Nobody Here Is Going to Make You Feel Bad About It
Dental anxiety is common and we treat it as a practical problem to solve, not something to talk you out of.
Before You Arrive
Tell Us When You Book
Mention it when you book and we’ll plan the appointment around it – more time, a quieter slot, and sedation ready if you want it.
During Treatment
We Stop When You Ask
Agree a signal at the start. Raise a hand and we stop. That’s not a formality.
Pacing
It Does Not Have to Be All at Once
If a long appointment is the barrier, we’ll break treatment into shorter visits.
No Lectures
Years Away Is Not a Problem
People go a long time between visits for all sorts of reasons. Nobody is going to lecture you about it.
Your Options
Nitrous Oxide or Oral Sedation
Two options, and which one suits you depends on how much anxiety you’re managing and what we’re doing that day.
Laughing Gas
Nitrous Oxide
Sometimes called laughing gas. Breathed through a small mask, and it takes effect within minutes. You stay awake and can talk to us throughout, but you feel relaxed and detached from what’s happening.
It wears off within minutes of the mask coming off, so you can drive yourself home and go back to work.
Good for: mild to moderate anxiety, a first visit back after a long gap, longer appointments.
A Tablet Beforehand
Oral Sedation
A tablet taken before your appointment. You’re drowsy and deeply relaxed, and most people remember very little of the treatment afterward.
It takes several hours to wear off, so you’ll need someone to bring you and take you home, and you can’t drive or work that day.
Good for: significant anxiety, past bad experiences, or several procedures in one visit.
Both administered by our general dentists and our periodontist. No IV sedation, no method beyond these two.
What to Expect
What Sedation Actually Feels Like
With nitrous oxide, most people describe a light floating feeling and a sense that time is passing faster than it is. You’re aware of what’s happening and can answer questions, but it stops mattering as much. Some people find it makes them slightly giggly, which is where the nickname comes from.
With oral sedation, you’ll feel very drowsy and may drift in and out. You’ll respond if we speak to you, but you probably won’t remember much afterward. That memory gap is the point for a lot of patients.
Neither puts you unconscious. You’re not “asleep” in the way people sometimes expect, and you’re never left alone.
When It Helps
What Sedation Is Used For
Sedation is not only for major work. It is just as often the thing that makes an ordinary appointment possible.
- Routine cleanings, if the appointment itself is the barrier
- Fillings, crowns and extractions
- Periodontal treatment and gum surgery
- Longer appointments where sitting still is the difficulty
- Anyone with a strong gag reflex
- Anyone who struggles to get numb properly with local anesthetic alone
If you are booked for an extraction or gum surgery and the procedure itself is what worries you, say so when you book.
Not Sure Which
We Will Talk It Through First
You do not have to decide before you arrive. We go through the options at the start of the appointment and you can change your mind.
Safety
What We Need to Know First
Sedation is safe for most healthy adults, and we monitor you throughout the appointment. But we need an accurate picture first.
Tell us about:
- Every medication you take, including anything over the counter and any supplements
- Any heart, lung or breathing condition, including sleep apnea
- Whether you're pregnant or think you might be
- Any previous reaction to sedation or anesthetic
- Alcohol or recreational drug use, which affects how sedation works
Monitored Throughout
You Are Never Left Alone
Someone is with you for the whole appointment and we monitor you throughout, whichever option you choose.
No Judgment
Why We Ask
None of that is a judgment. It’s how we choose the right option and the right dose.
Cost & Payment
What Does Sedation Cost?
Nitrous oxide is the less expensive of the two and is sometimes included in the cost of treatment. Oral sedation is charged separately.
Does Insurance Cover Sedation?
Dental insurance treats sedation inconsistently. Some plans cover it where it’s medically necessary, many treat it as elective and don’t contribute. We’ll check yours and tell you before your appointment rather than at the desk afterward.
Please note: We do not accept DSHS, Apple Care, Apple Health, or Provider One dental insurance plans.
Paying the Balance
CareCredit is available.
Your Dentists
Who Provides Your Sedation
Sedation is administered by our general dentists and our in-house periodontist, so the person treating you is the person managing your sedation.
General & Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. Nadia Aboulhosn provides gentle, personalized dental care with a focus on patient comfort and long-term oral health. Originally from Brazil, she earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington in 2009.
She is fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Arabic, and is known for her warm approach, clear communication, and strong community connection.
General & Cosmetic Dentist
Raised in Mukilteo and a proud graduate of the UW School of Dentistry (Top 10 of her class), Dr. Valentine is passionate about blending modern techniques with patient-centered care. She speaks Cantonese fluently and focuses on delivering high-quality, comfortable dental experiences for patients of all ages.
General & Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. Kwok earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Washington and returned to her hometown after eight years practicing in Milwaukee. She is fluent in English and Cantonese, and is certified in cosmetic dentistry. From routine check-ups to more complex treatment, she is known for a warm, unhurried approach that puts patients at ease.
Want to meet the team in person?
Visit our Everett dental office – we love meeting new patients and
families. You can also meet our support team, the people who will greet you at the door and help with scheduling and insurance.
testimonials
What Patients Say About Icon Dental Center
Our patients say it best. Icon Dental Center has more than 330 Google reviews at a 4.9 average. Here’s what your neighbors are saying:
New Patient Forms
Save Time at Your First Visit
Download and complete your new patient forms before your visit, so there’s less to fill in when you arrive. Bring them with you, or email them ahead.
Location
Visit Our Everett Dental Office
Ready to Book Your Appointment? Whether you’re due for a routine checkup or considering cosmetic treatment, our friendly team in Everett is here to help.
Icon Dental Center – Everett
Address:
1820 100th Pl SE Suite B, Everett, WA 98208, United States
Phone:
(425) 337-2400
Hours:
Mon, Tues, Thu: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sat, Sun & Fri: Closed
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Sedation dentistry is sometimes called sleep dentistry, which is misleading – neither option puts you unconscious. With nitrous oxide you’re fully aware but relaxed. With oral sedation you’re very drowsy and may not remember much afterward, but you’ll still respond if we speak to you. You’re never left alone.
After nitrous oxide, yes. It wears off within minutes. After oral sedation, no. You’ll need someone to bring you and take you home, and you shouldn’t drive or work for the rest of the day.
For most healthy adults, yes, and we monitor you throughout. We’ll go through your medical history and medications first to choose the right option for you.
With nitrous oxide, usually yes. With oral sedation, often very little, which is what many patients want.
Tell us about your child’s anxiety when you book and we’ll talk through what’s appropriate. We’d rather plan the visit properly than sedate a child who doesn’t need it.
Sometimes. Plans treat sedation inconsistently – some cover it where it’s medically necessary, many treat it as elective. We’ll check yours before your appointment.
Last updated: September 2026