Dental practice in Indianapolis, IN offers dental care with sedation
At Washington Street Dentistry, Dr. Matthew Church and his staff are committed to providing the best possible dental care in the area of Indianapolis, IN. This includes providing ways to feel at ease and comfortable before and during the appointment. Patients who have dental fears and anxieties are often interested in learning more about dental practices that provide sedation. This is way for our patients to feel less anxious during their visit and be relaxed as they receive the dental care they require for healthy, beautiful smiles.

Understanding sedation dental care
Sedation dentistry is an aspect of dental care that incorporates appropriate sedation for optimum comfort. Patients who have dental fears due to previous bad experiences, or who have concerns regarding pain and discomfort, are welcome to ask our team about our sedation methods. We offer two methods of sedation that are commonly used for individuals to give them a positive experience in the dental chair:
- Nitrous oxide – with the use of nitrous oxide gas, patients often feel incredibly relaxed while they receive their treatment. This method of sedation is easy to administer through the nose. An odorless, colorless gas is utilized to immediately calm patients. Sometimes referred to as laughing gas, this method can make patients extremely happy or even euphoric. For adults, it might feel like having a few glasses of wine. The nitrous oxide can be administered on appropriate levels for the patient based on their weight and their response to the gas. Once the patient has completed their treatment, they are given oxygen, which allows the body to eliminate the gas and the effects it creates. Patients can drive after their appointment and return to work or social activities without interruption.
- Oral conscious sedation – another option that may be considered for patients in terms of sedation is oral conscious sedation. Oral conscious sedation is a method of relaxing a patient before they even arrive at the dental office. With this method, patients visit the practice for a consultation and will receive a prescription for a medication that is picked up at a local pharmacy. The patient will take the medication before they leave their home for their appointment. They must arrange transportation to and from the dental office. When patients arrive at the office for their visit, they are calm and coherent. They can get through their appointment while awake, and then are transported back home to rest. When they awaken from their nap, they often have little to no recollection of their appointment.
Which one is right for me?
Most patients with mild anxieties will benefit from nitrous oxide. However, more anxious patients, or patients who are undergoing extensive procedures that may require more time in the dental chair, can often benefit from oral conscious sedation. These medications are safe and effective in allowing patients to get through their dental appointment with no anxieties or fears. Choosing a sedative that is best for you is done during a consultation visit with our team of professionals. Our dentist can gauge the level of anxiety a patient has for dental visits and make a proper recommendation.
Is sedation safe?
Absolutely! Our professionals at Washington Street Dentistry in Indianapolis, IN focus on ensuring all materials and treatments performed in our office are safe and appropriate for our patients. We provide thorough examinations which include a health history to decide what options are best. We want our patients to feel at ease and know that they are in good hands with Dr. Matthew Church and his team, who have their patients’ best interests at heart.
Speak with our team about sedation options and your specific needs
We welcome patients in and around the community of Indianapolis, IN to speak with our professionals about the ways in which we can provide calmness and relaxation before and during your dental visit. The practice is conveniently located at 10935 East Washington Street and can be reached by calling (317) 333-6788 for an appointment.
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