Sedation Dentist in Greenwood, IN
Feel calmer and more comfortable during dental care
Hoosier Family Dental offers nitrous oxide and oral sedation in Greenwood, Indiana, for patients with dental anxiety, sensitive teeth, a strong gag reflex, or difficulty sitting through longer procedures.
Written by the Hoosier Family Dental team. Reviewed by Dr. McBride. Last updated July 2026.
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients feel calmer and more relaxed during dental treatment.
At Hoosier Family Dental, sedation options include:
- Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas
- Oral conscious sedation is taken as a prescribed pill
These options do not involve IV sedation or general anesthesia. Most patients remain awake and able to respond during treatment, although oral sedation may make them feel drowsy and cause limited memory of the appointment.
Dr. McBride reviews your health history, anxiety level, and planned treatment to recommend the safest and most appropriate option.
Dental anxiety does not have to delay your care
Fear of the dentist can make it difficult to schedule routine visits or complete needed treatment. Dental anxiety may come from a previous negative experience, fear of pain, sensitivity to sounds or smells, embarrassment, or discomfort with feeling out of control.
Sedation dentistry may help you:
- Feel calmer before and during treatment
- Sit comfortably through longer appointments
- Reduce sensitivity to dental sounds and sensations
- Control a strong gag reflex
- Complete more treatment in one visit
- Return to dental care after avoiding it for months or years
You will receive clear information about your options without judgment or pressure.
Sedation options at Hoosier Family Dental
Nitrous oxide sedation
Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative inhaled through a small mask placed over your nose. It begins working within minutes and helps create a calm, relaxed feeling while you remain awake and responsive.
The effects usually wear off quickly after the gas is stopped. Many patients can return to normal activities and drive themselves home, although Dr. McBride will confirm what is appropriate for your situation.
Nitrous oxide may be helpful for:
- Mild to moderate dental anxiety
- Routine dental treatment
- Patients who want a fast-acting option
- Patients who prefer a sedative that wears off quickly
- A sensitive gag reflex
Oral conscious sedation
Oral sedation involves taking prescribed medication before your appointment. It provides a deeper level of relaxation than nitrous oxide and may make you feel drowsy.
You will remain conscious and able to respond, but you may remember little of the appointment afterward. Because the medication lasts longer, a responsible adult must drive you to and from the office and stay with you after treatment.
Oral sedation may be helpful for:
- Moderate to significant dental anxiety
- Longer or more involved procedures
- Patients who have avoided care because of fear
- Difficulty remaining still during treatment
- A strong gag reflex
- Patients who want less awareness of the appointment
Nitrous oxide versus oral sedation
Nitrous oxide
- Inhaled through a nasal mask
- Takes effect within minutes
- Produces mild to moderate relaxation
- Usually wears off quickly
- Most patients remain fully aware
- A driver may not be required
Oral sedation
- Taken as prescribed medication before treatment
- Produces a deeper level of relaxation
- May cause drowsiness
- May reduce memory of the appointment
- Lasts longer than nitrous oxide
- Requires transportation to and from the office
Dr. McBride will help you choose an option based on your anxiety, medical history, treatment, and transportation availability.
Two non-IV sedation options
Hoosier Family Dental offers both nitrous oxide and oral sedation, allowing treatment to be matched to your anxiety level and procedure.
Personalized recommendations
Dr. McBride reviews your health history, current medications, anxiety level, and planned care before recommending sedation.
No judgment about delayed care
Whether it has been six months or several years since your last visit, our team will focus on what you need now rather than making you feel embarrassed about the past.
Clear explanations before treatment
You will know which sedation option is being recommended, how it works, how to prepare, and whether you will need a driver.
Technology that helps you understand your care
Intraoral cameras and digital imaging allow you to see what Dr. McBride sees and understand why treatment is recommended.
Sedation for routine and complex care
Sedation may be used for preventive, restorative, emergency, and implant-related procedures when appropriate.
Why choose Hoosier Family Dental for sedation dentistry?
Who may benefit from sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry may be appropriate if you:
- Feel anxious or fearful about dental visits
- Have had a negative dental experience
- Have sensitive teeth or gums
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Struggle to sit still for long periods
- Need a longer or more complex procedure
- Need several treatments completed in one visit
- Have avoided dental care because of fear
Sedation is not appropriate for every patient. Your medical history, medications, pregnancy status, breathing conditions, and other health factors must be reviewed first.
How sedation dentistry works
01
Consultation and health review
Tell us about your dental anxiety, previous experiences, medications, health conditions, and upcoming treatment.
Dr. McBride will determine whether sedation is appropriate and explain which option may work best.
02
Preparation instructions
Your instructions will depend on the type of sedation.
You may be asked to:
- Avoid food or drinks for a specified period
- Take prescribed medication at a specific time
- Arrange transportation
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Avoid alcohol or certain medications
- Plan to rest after treatment
Follow the instructions provided by Hoosier Family Dental rather than relying on general online guidance.
03
Sedation and dental treatment
Nitrous oxide is administered in the office through a nasal mask. Oral sedation medication is taken according to the instructions Dr. McBride provides.
Your comfort and response will be monitored during treatment.
04
Recovery and aftercare
Nitrous oxide usually wears off quickly. Oral sedation can affect coordination, memory, and judgment for several hours, so you must not drive, work, operate equipment, or make important decisions afterward.
Your driver should take you home and remain available while the medication wears off.
Sedation for dental implants and longer procedures
Sedation can make longer appointments feel easier for patients who are nervous or uncomfortable remaining in the chair.
Dr. McBride may recommend sedation for procedures such as:
- Dental implant placement
- Tooth extractions
- Restorative treatment
- Multiple procedures completed in one visit
- Emergency dental care
- Deep cleanings or periodontal treatment
The type of sedation used will depend on the procedure, your anxiety level, and your health history.
Real patient stories
– Dyala A.
“She made me feel comfortable in a place where I’m usually nervous. It was a 10/10 experience.”
– Jacob V.
“I’m usually nervous at the dentist, but the calm atmosphere and smooth jazz helped me relax.”
– Tiffany B.
“Dr. McBride was wonderful and used humor to ease my nerves. She checked on me throughout the entire visit.”
– Taylor O.
“Everyone was kind, understanding, and completely judgment-free. I’m so grateful to have found my forever dental office.”
Explore more dental care in Greenwood
Learn more about the services and patient resources available at Hoosier Family Dental.
Frequently asked questions about sedation dentistry in Greenwood
What is the difference between nitrous oxide and oral sedation?
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Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a nasal mask and provides mild to moderate relaxation. Its effects usually wear off soon after treatment. Oral sedation is taken as prescribed medication and creates a deeper, longer-lasting level of relaxation. Oral sedation requires a driver.
Will I be awake during sedation dentistry?
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Yes. Nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation are designed to keep you awake and able to respond. Oral sedation may make you drowsy, and some patients remember little of the appointment afterward.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
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Nitrous oxide and oral sedation are commonly used in dentistry, but every form of sedation has risks and is not appropriate for every patient. Dr. McBride reviews your health history, medications, and planned treatment before recommending an option.
Do I need someone to drive me home?
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You must arrange transportation for oral sedation. You should not drive yourself to or from the appointment. Nitrous oxide wears off more quickly, and many patients can drive afterward, but you should follow Dr. McBride’s instructions.
Will I remember my dental procedure?
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Patients usually remain aware with nitrous oxide and often remember the appointment. Oral sedation may cause partial or limited memory of treatment, but the response varies by patient.
Is sedation dentistry only for dental anxiety?
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No. Sedation may also help patients with a strong gag reflex, sensitive teeth, difficulty sitting still, longer procedures, or multiple treatments scheduled during one visit.
Is sedation dentistry the same as general anesthesia?
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No. Nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation are different from general anesthesia. Patients are not fully unconscious and continue breathing on their own.
Does Hoosier Family Dental offer IV sedation?
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No. Hoosier Family Dental offers nitrous oxide and oral sedation. The practice does not provide IV sedation or general anesthesia.
Can children receive sedation dentistry?
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Sedation recommendations for children depend on age, health, anxiety level, and treatment needs. Parents should contact Hoosier Family Dental for an individual evaluation rather than assuming a specific option is appropriate.
Can I eat before sedation dentistry?
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Preparation depends on the type of sedation and your scheduled procedure. You may need to avoid food and drinks for a certain period. Follow the personalized instructions provided by Hoosier Family Dental.
How long does oral sedation last?
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The calming and drowsy effects can continue for several hours after the appointment. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home, and you should plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
How do I know which sedation option is right for me?
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Dr. McBride will consider your anxiety level, health history, medications, treatment length, and transportation arrangements. You will review the benefits, limitations, and preparation requirements before choosing an option.
Feel more comfortable at your next dental visit
Talk with Dr. McBride about nitrous oxide or oral sedation and get a personalized recommendation based on your health, anxiety level, and planned treatment.
Come See Us
Find us in Greenwood
Serving Greenwood, Bargersville, Franklin & Southern Indianapolis, our practice has easy parking, friendly faces, and a team ready to take great care of you.
Address
3056 W Stones Crossing Rd, Suite A,
Greenwood, IN 46143
Greenwood, IN 46143
Phone
Call (317) 535-7141
Monday
8:00am – 2:00pm
Tuesday - Thursday
7:30am – 4:30pm
Friday – Sunday
Closed
