ATTENTION VA BEACH PATIENTS:
Our new location is 837 First Colonial Road, VA Beach, VA 23451
Dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons people put off the care they need, and it is especially prevalent among certain groups that are well-represented in Chesapeake: veterans who carry the effects of years of deferred dental care, servicemembers for whom dental appointments have historically felt rushed or impersonal, and patients of any background who have had a difficult procedure that left a lasting impression. Oral surgery can feel especially intimidating — but sedation dentistry changes that equation entirely.
At Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we offer a full range of sedation and anesthesia options for patients at our Chesapeake location. Our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Peter Zagursky, DDS, is a retired Army Colonel who has spent his career understanding what patients — including veterans and military families — actually need from their surgical experience. He brings both technical depth and genuine patience to every consultation, and he will work with you to find the sedation approach that makes your procedure manageable, comfortable, and as stress-free as possible.
For patients who need the deepest level of sedation, general anesthesia offers a fully unconscious state during surgery. This option is typically reserved for longer or more complex procedures, patients with significant medical conditions, or those with severe dental anxiety that makes lighter forms of sedation impractical.
General anesthesia is administered intravenously and requires a trained specialist to monitor the patient throughout the entire procedure. Because oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive extensive anesthesia training alongside medical anesthesiologists during their residency, we are equipped to administer this level of care safely in an office-based surgical setting. Patients who undergo general anesthesia will have no awareness of the procedure and no memory of it afterward. A responsible adult must be available to drive the patient home and stay with them for the remainder of the day.
For patients who require hospital-based care due to underlying health conditions or procedural complexity, we have operating privileges at Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center and Virginia Beach Ambulatory Surgery Center. This means continuity of care remains with our team, no matter where treatment takes place.
IV sedation, sometimes called “twilight sedation,” is one of the most widely used options for wisdom teeth removal and other common oral surgery procedures. It delivers sedative medication directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous line, producing a rapid and controllable level of relaxation.
Patients who receive IV sedation are in a semiconscious state, so they’re aware enough to respond to prompts from our surgical team, yet relaxed enough that most retain little to no memory of the procedure afterward. The depth of sedation can be adjusted in real time, which makes IV sedation a flexible option for a wide range of procedures and patient profiles. As the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons notes, oral and maxillofacial surgeons train extensively alongside anesthesiologists and are fully equipped to safely administer IV sedation and general anesthesia in their practices.
Because sedation affects coordination and reaction time, patients who choose IV sedation must arrange a ride home and avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for the rest of the day. Our team will review all pre-procedure instructions with you well in advance of your appointment so there are no surprises.
Nitrous oxide is the lightest form of sedation we offer and is an excellent choice for patients with mild to moderate anxiety. Delivered through a small mask placed over the nose, it takes effect within minutes and wears off quickly once the mask is removed.
Nitrous oxide produces a relaxed, slightly euphoric feeling without causing unconsciousness. You remain fully awake and able to communicate throughout the procedure. Because the effects dissipate rapidly, most patients who receive only nitrous oxide can drive themselves home afterward. However, we always encourage you to confirm this with our team before your appointment.
This option pairs well with local anesthesia to ensure that you feel no pain while remaining comfortable and aware. For patients considering dental implants in Chesapeake, nitrous oxide may be appropriate for straightforward placements when other anxiety or health factors are not present.
Oral conscious sedation involves taking a prescribed sedative medication by mouth prior to the procedure, typically about an hour before your appointment. It produces a deeper state of relaxation than nitrous oxide while keeping you conscious throughout.
Because the medication takes effect before you arrive, a driver is always required when oral conscious sedation is used. The medication makes most patients feel drowsy and deeply calm, and many have little memory of the procedure by the time it concludes. This option works well for patients who feel significant anxiety but may not need or want IV sedation.
Our team will review your pre-anesthesia preparation instructions with you at your consultation so you know exactly what to expect on the day of your procedure. It is also important that you share your full medical history, including any medications you currently take, so that we can recommend the option that is safest for you.
No single sedation approach is right for every patient, and that is precisely why we offer the full spectrum of options from mild to deep. Dr. Peter Zagursky will review your health history, the nature of your procedure, and your personal comfort level to help guide a shared decision. Patients who are unsure which option fits their situation are encouraged to ask questions at their consultation. We want you to feel informed before anything else.
We accept a wide range of insurance plans, including PPO plans, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, TRICARE, and VA coverage, along with financing through CareCredit and Cherry Financing. Our Chesapeake team is here to make the process as accessible as possible.
Every patient’s anxiety level, health history, and procedure type is different — and so is the right sedation approach. Our Chesapeake team is happy to walk you through your options before you commit to anything. Contact our Chesapeake office to schedule a pre-procedure consultation with Dr. Zagursky. You can also review our pre-anesthesia preparation instructions to understand what to expect before your appointment.
Chesapeake patients who have avoided oral surgery because of anxiety will find a team at Goodove that takes that concern seriously. Dr. Zagursky and our entire Chesapeake staff are trained in patient-centered care, which means your comfort level is part of the clinical plan — not an afterthought. We never rush the pre-procedure conversation, and we do not move forward until you feel genuinely prepared and confident.
We accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, TRICARE, and Veterans Affairs coverage, and our team is experienced in working with VA patients on prior authorizations and scheduling. CareCredit and Cherry Financing are available for patients managing out-of-pocket costs. If you are ready to discuss your sedation options or move forward with oral surgery, we invite you to reach out to our Chesapeake office to schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you get the care you need in a setting designed around your comfort.
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Friday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
