What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Oral surgery can bring up a lot of questions and worries, especially for people who struggle with dental anxiety. Sedation is built around helping individuals get the care they need with as little stress or discomfort as possible. At The Oral Surgery Center, we understand that sedation is not one-size-fits-all, which is why we offer both intravenous sedation and general anesthesia for our patients. Whether you require minor sedation or a deeper level of relaxation, our goal is the same: to help you feel calm, supported, and confident in the outcome of your procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Drab will talk you through your options, explain what to expect, and match you with the right anesthetic approach for your needs. Learn more about our sedation options by scheduling a consultation with our team today.
How Do Dental Anesthesia and Sedation Work?
During your consultation at The Oral Surgery Center, we'll have a detailed discussion about your medical history, any current medications you're taking, and your history with different types of anesthesia. Dr. Drab or a member of our team will explain the benefits of both general anesthesia and intravenous(IV) sedation and recommend the approach that is safest and most effective for your procedure.
IV sedation is administered in our office through a small line placed in the arm or hand. It acts quickly, allowing you to feel calm and disconnected from the sensations of the procedure without being completely unconscious. You will be monitored closely throughout the appointment to ensure your comfort and safety. Afterward, you may feel drowsy or have little memory of the procedure, which is common and expected. General anesthesia is used for more involved procedures where you need to be fully unconscious for comfort and safety.
Most forms of sedation dentistry wear off within a few hours, though full alertness may take longer depending on the medication used and how your body responds. You should plan to have someone drive you home after your appointment and stay with you for the rest of the day.
What Are the Benefits of Sedation?
Whatever your reason for seeking sedation, our priority at The Oral Surgery Center is to tailor the approach to your situation and provide the information you need to feel comfortable every step of the way. The benefits of sedation dentistry include:
- Reduces anxiety and fear before and during treatment
- Allows for longer or more complex procedures to be completed comfortably
- Helps patients with strong gag reflexes or difficulty sitting still
- Improves access to care for children, anxious patients, or those with special needs
- Tailored to each patient's health, comfort level, and type of procedure
General and IV Sedation Reviews
I have had a very positive experience with The Oral Surgery Center. I never thought it possible to have a dental procedure without some degree of pain, even though short lived while getting injections to numb the area. At the Oral Surgery Center I felt absolutely no pain during my oral surgery. Afterwards, as the local anesthesia wore off, I still had no pain. Today, the day after, I have no pain, no bruising, no bleeding, and only minimal swelling that probably only I will notice. I am a happy patient!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I recently had a surgical extraction of a tooth located behind my front teeth at The Oral Surgery Center. The entire process was handled with utmost care and professionalism. Despite being put under anesthesia, the staff made me feel incredibly safe and secure throughout the procedure. I am delighted with the service and would highly recommend The Oral Surgery Center to others. Thank you for the exceptional care!
I was highly impressed with how nice and professional everyone was. This was an unexpected procedure and was my first time going under anesthesia and I was very nervous, everyone was very comforting. Especially with Covid-19 going on, they put me to ease and everything was very quick.
I had the best experience. I got 7 teeth extracted but it went by so fast. I was nervous at first b/c I never had anesthesia. As soon as I got called back they made me so comfortable. We were talking then next thing I know I’m sleep. Throughout my whole experience the staff was so nice & understanding. Dr. Drab & his team are the best. Post-op experience is good, surprisingly my pain has been light & tolerable.
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Average Rating
Am I A Candidate For General and IV Sedation?
Candidates for general and IV sedation typically include patients undergoing complex surgical procedures, such as impacted wisdom tooth extractions or dental implant placements, where deep relaxation is necessary for the patient. It is also an ideal solution for individuals with a high level of dental anxiety or a sensitive gag reflex that makes standard dental care difficult to manage. Additionally, patients who require multiple procedures in a single session often benefit from sedation to help them remain comfortable over an extended period. Your overall health and medical history play an important role in determining eligibility, which is why Dr. Drab conducts a thorough review of your health profile before recommending the best way to move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which types of oral surgeries or treatments would you need general or IV sedation for?
General or IV sedation is typically recommended for complex or lengthy procedures, such as wisdom tooth removal, bone grafting, jaw surgery, or implant placement. It can also benefit patients with severe dental anxiety or a sensitive gag reflex. Our team will tailor anesthesia to your comfort level and the procedure’s scope.
Does dental anesthesia give you nausea?
Mild nausea can occasionally occur after general or IV anesthesia, though most patients recover quickly once they eat or hydrate. It’s rare with local anesthesia alone. We take precautions—like using fast-acting medications and monitoring your recovery—to help minimize any queasiness after treatment.
Can you have dental anesthesia while pregnant?
In most cases, elective procedures that require sedation are postponed until after pregnancy. However, dental emergencies can still be treated safely with local anesthesia that does not cross the placenta. Our team will coordinate care with your obstetrician to ensure both you and your baby remain safe.
Explore Your Anesthesia and Sedation Options
Feeling nervous about dental treatment is completely normal, but it should not stand in the way of getting the care you need. At The Oral Surgery Center, we care for patients across Greensboro, NC who want a more comfortable experience from start to finish. Dr. Drab offers personalized sedation options to help you feel calm, safe, and fully supported during your procedure. If you have questions about anesthesia or wonder if IV sedation is right for you, we invite you to contact us and talk through your options with a team that understands.