Sedation Dentistry

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients feel calm and relaxed during dental procedures. It is ideal for individuals who experience dental anxiety, have a strong gag reflex, or need extensive treatment completed comfortably. Depending on the level of sedation used, patients may feel deeply relaxed or lightly drowsy while remaining responsive. Sedation dentistry allows dental care to be performed more efficiently while helping patients stay comfortable throughout their visit. Many patients remember little to none of the procedure afterward. This approach makes it easier to receive necessary dental care without stress or fear, supporting better long-term oral health.

Who Can Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?

Many patients just like you come to Legacy Dental because our sedation options help you with challenges including:

• A bad gag reflex
• Difficulty getting numb with local anesthetic such as Novocain
• Limited amount of time to complete your dental care
• Sensitive teeth
• Dislike of noises, smells, and tastes associated with dental care
• Discomfort with needles and shots
• Fear or embarrassment about your teeth

What Dental Procedures Can Be Performed with Sedation?

Sedation dentistry can be used for a wide range of dental procedures, making it easier for patients to receive the care they need in a calm and comfortable setting. Whether treatment is simple or more involved, sedation helps reduce anxiety, minimize discomfort, and allow procedures to be completed more efficiently. Many patients choose sedation to feel relaxed and at ease throughout their visit.

Common dental procedures that can be performed with sedation include:

• Fillings and restorative treatments to repair damaged teeth
• Root canal therapy to treat infection and relieve pain
• Tooth extractions, including more complex removals
• Dental implant placement for replacing missing teeth
• Crown and bridge procedures to restore strength and appearance
• Cosmetic treatments, such as teeth whitening or bonding

Sedation allows multiple treatments to be completed in fewer visits while helping patients remain comfortable and stress-free.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Patients often worry about whether sedation is safe, and that concern is completely understandable. At Legacy Dental, your health and safety always come first. The medications used in sleep dentistry and oral conscious sedation have decades of proven success in dental care. Nitrous oxide is widely considered one of the safest sedation methods for both adults and children.

Our sedation dentist follows strict dosing guidelines, monitors your vital signs throughout the visit, and uses advanced technology to maintain a controlled, predictable experience. With a team that has served more than 180,000 patients since 1998, you can feel confident that you are in trained, attentive hands throughout your appointment.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Sedation?

Before your appointment, your dentist will review your medical history and explain the type of sedation being used to ensure it is safe and appropriate for you. You may be given instructions such as avoiding food or drink for a certain period beforehand and arranging transportation home if needed.

During the procedure, sedation helps you feel deeply relaxed and at ease while your dentist performs your treatment. You will remain comfortable, and your vital signs will be monitored throughout the visit.

After sedation, you may feel drowsy or groggy for a short time as the effects wear off. Rest is recommended for the remainder of the day, and you should follow all aftercare instructions provided. Most patients resume normal activities the following day, feeling relaxed and well cared for.

Enjoy Calm & Relaxation With Oral Conscious Sedation

We want your visit to Legacy Dental to be stress-free, so you can receive the oral health care you need. Rest assured, we do not use needles in our process. Instead, you simply take a prescribed dose of medication about an hour before your appointment. A number of oral agents developed especially for these purposes are safe and have been used for dental procedures for decades.

Once you begin your procedure, our experienced clinical team will monitor your vital signs and make sure you are comfortable and safe throughout the entire procedure. Oral conscious sedation allows you to fully relax for the duration of your appointment. In fact, many patients are so relaxed that they remember little to nothing about their time spent at our office. Since the sedative effect typically lasts for several hours after administration, you will need to arrange to have someone drive you home from our office after your dental procedure is over.

We Also Offer Inhaled Minimal Sedation

This option for sedation dentistry has been used for over a century. With a mask placed over your nose, you breathe colorless, odorless nitrous oxide – also referred to as “laughing gas.” This classic type of sedation is effective because it relaxes patients quickly but also wears off rapidly once the mask is removed. Nitrous oxide is considered completely safe, even for use in children.

Which Sedation Option Is Right for You?

Because every patient has different needs, it helps to understand what each sedation method offers. Oral conscious sedation creates a deeper level of relaxation. You take a prescribed pill before your visit, and the calming effects last long enough for you to remain comfortable throughout your appointment. Many people describe the experience as drifting through the appointment or slipping into a dreamlike state.

Inhaled minimal sedation, often called laughing gas, is ideal if you want light relaxation without lingering effects after your procedure. A small mask delivers nitrous oxide, which eases tension within minutes. Once the mask comes off, you return to normal quickly, which makes this option simple and convenient for adults and children.

If you are unsure which method fits your needs, our sedation dentist will help you choose the safest and most effective option based on your comfort level and the type of care you require.

Sedation Dentistry at Legacy Dental: Advanced Care From an Experienced Team

At Legacy Dental, we pair gentle care with modern technology to help you feel comfortable at every step of your visit. Our team has spent decades helping patients overcome dental anxiety, and we are proud to offer sedation options that fit a wide range of needs.

With all services under one roof, evening and weekend appointments, and a commitment to whole-body health, we make it easy to get the care you deserve in a warm, welcoming environment. When you choose our sedation dentist, you receive supportive guidance, personalized attention, and a team dedicated to making every visit a calm and positive experience.

Experience Relaxing Sedation Dentistry in Fort Wayne, IN & the Roanoke & Huntington, IN, Areas

If anxiety is preventing you from getting the dental care you need, contact Legacy Dental in Fort Wayne, IN, to learn more about sedation dentistry.