ATTENTION VA BEACH PATIENTS:
Our new location is 837 First Colonial Road, VA Beach, VA 23451
For many patients, the thought of oral surgery brings more anxiety about the anesthesia than the procedure itself. Questions come up naturally: Will I feel anything? Is it safe? How will I feel afterward? These are the right questions to ask, and having clear answers can make a meaningful difference in how you feel walking through the door. Understanding your sedation options before your appointment is one of the best ways to feel prepared and confident on the day of your procedure.
At Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants in Virginia Beach, we believe every patient deserves to feel comfortable, informed, and genuinely cared for. Our oral surgery procedures are performed by board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons who are trained to administer anesthesia directly, a distinction that sets oral surgeons apart from most other dental providers. We are also certified through the Dental Board of Anesthesia, and when the clinical situation calls for an additional layer of support, we bring in Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) to assist. That kind of thoughtful, patient-centered approach to safety is something we take seriously every single day.
General anesthesia is the deepest level of sedation available for oral surgery patients. It renders you completely unconscious for the duration of the procedure, meaning you will have no awareness of what is happening, no sensation of pain, and no memory of the surgery afterward.
Not every procedure requires general anesthesia. We offer a range of sedation levels, from nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to IV sedation, depending on the complexity of the surgery and the patient’s individual needs. General anesthesia is typically recommended for more involved procedures, patients with significant dental anxiety, medically complex patients, or younger patients who may not tolerate oral surgery while awake. Your surgeon will discuss which level of sedation makes the most sense for your specific situation during your consultation.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete four to six years of hospital-based surgical and anesthesia residency training following dental school. This training equips them to administer, monitor, and manage all levels of anesthesia in the office setting. Our doctors are board-certified in oral and maxillofacial surgery and hold anesthesia certifications that reflect ongoing continuing education and rigorous examination. According to a 2023 publication in the Delaware Journal of Public Health, oral and maxillofacial surgeons performed 78% of all moderate and deep sedation and general anesthesia cases delivered in office-based dental settings across a recent four-year period, a figure reflecting the depth of training and volume of experience these specialists bring to anesthesia delivery.
General anesthesia is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it is the right choice for many patients. We evaluate several factors when determining whether it is appropriate for a given procedure.
Longer or more involved surgeries benefit from general anesthesia because it allows the surgical team to work without interruption and keeps the patient fully still and comfortable throughout. Procedures such as removal of impacted wisdom teeth or more complex dental implant placement may be candidates, depending on individual anatomy and case specifics.
Some patients have medical conditions, anatomical considerations, or anxiety levels requiring a deeper level of sedation to ensure both safety and comfort. We take an individualized approach to every case and never push toward a sedation level based on convenience. Our doctors review medical history thoroughly before recommending general anesthesia, and patients with complex medical needs may be treated at one of our affiliated hospital facilities, including Virginia Beach Ambulatory Surgery Center, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, or Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters.
Preparation is a critical component of a safe anesthesia experience, and we walk every patient through the steps well before their procedure date. Our pre-anesthesia surgical instructions provide clear guidance on fasting requirements, medication adjustments, and what to bring on the day of surgery. Most patients will need to fast from food and certain liquids starting at midnight before their procedure. It is essential to arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the first several hours of recovery.
When you arrive, our team will confirm your health history, review your medications, and get you settled before the procedure begins. Anesthesia is administered intravenously, and the onset is rapid. You will be monitored continuously throughout the procedure using standard safety equipment. Our all-staff CPR certification and the presence of trained surgical personnel in every room mean there is always a qualified eye on your care from start to finish.
Recovery begins in our office, where you will be monitored until you are stable and awake enough to be released into the care of your designated driver. Most patients experience some grogginess, mild nausea, and disorientation for a few hours following general anesthesia, all of which typically resolve within the same day. You should plan to rest at home for the remainder of the day and avoid driving, operating machinery, or making important decisions for at least 24 hours after your procedure.
Full recovery from the underlying oral surgery procedure varies depending on the procedure performed, and we provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you heal safely and comfortably.
At Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we have served Virginia Beach patients as a proud, independently owned practice for over 17 years. Dr. Scott R. Goodove, DDS is dual board-certified, holds anesthesia credentials through the Dental Board of Anesthesia, and is a member of both the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the Virginia Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. We are not a corporate chain. We are a community-rooted practice where decisions are made with your care in mind, not a corporate chain’s bottom line.
If you have questions about general anesthesia or want to discuss your upcoming procedure, we are here to help. Contact our Virginia Beach office to schedule your consultation, and let us help you feel confident and prepared before you ever sit down in the chair.
Dr. Goodove brings years of specialized oral surgery expertise to Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, serving as your trusted hometown oral surgeon. With operating privileges at multiple local hospitals, Dr. Goodove delivers patient-centered care backed by advanced training and a commitment to creating comfortable, anxiety-free experiences. His philosophy of accessibility and personal attention sets the foundation for the practice's reputation as "the doctor's doctor" in the community.
Dr. Zagursky is a retired Army veteran who continues to serve the community through exceptional oral surgery care. With extensive military experience and specialized training in oral and maxillofacial surgery, Dr. Zagursky brings discipline, precision, and a deep commitment to patient welfare to every procedure. His background working with diverse patient populations and dedication to the underserved makes him an invaluable part of the Goodove Oral Surgery team.
Trusted by referring dentists and families since 2008
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Friday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
