ATTENTION VA BEACH PATIENTS:
Our new location is 837 First Colonial Road, VA Beach, VA 23451
Oral surgery can feel daunting, and for many people, anxiety about the procedure itself is the hardest part. You may have questions about whether you’ll feel pain, how well you’ll be able to handle the experience, or what it will feel like to be in the chair. IV sedation addresses all of those concerns directly, giving you the ability to get through your procedure comfortably and with little to no memory of it afterward. For patients in Virginia Beach who feel nervous about oral surgery, this option can be the difference between avoiding care and getting the treatment they need.
At Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we offer IV sedation as part of our commitment to patient-centered care. Our oral surgery procedures range from wisdom tooth removal and dental implants to bone grafting and oral pathology, and we want every patient to feel at ease from the moment they walk through our doors. Dr. Scott R. Goodove, DDS, is a dual board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who administers and oversees IV sedation with the rigorous training required to keep patients safe throughout every step of the process.
IV sedation is a form of conscious sedation delivered directly into the bloodstream through a small line placed in your arm or hand. Once the medication is administered, most patients feel calm and drowsy within moments.
IV sedation and general anesthesia are not the same thing. With IV sedation, you remain in a relaxed, semi-conscious state often called “twilight sleep.” You can still respond to verbal prompts from our team, and you breathe on your own throughout the procedure. Most patients retain little to no memory of the appointment. General anesthesia, by contrast, produces complete unconsciousness and is typically reserved for more complex surgical settings.
According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons receive extensive training in airway management and all forms of sedation, making them uniquely qualified to administer IV sedation safely in an office setting.
Many patients choose IV sedation because it allows them to get through oral surgery without the distress of being fully alert during the procedure. It is a practical option for patients with dental anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, or a longer or more involved procedure. It also tends to make recovery feel smoother, since patients wake up with little memory of the experience.
IV sedation is appropriate for most healthy adults, though candidacy depends on your individual health history and the nature of your procedure.
Before your appointment, we will review your full medical history, including any medications you currently take and any known conditions that could affect anesthesia. Patients with certain heart conditions, respiratory concerns, or other medical factors may require a modified approach. Being transparent with us during your consultation helps ensure we choose the safest and most effective sedation option for you.
Patients who feel significant fear or anxiety around dental work are among the strongest candidates for IV sedation. It is also commonly recommended for procedures that take longer to complete, such as the placement of dental implants, full-arch restorations, or complex wisdom teeth removal. If you are unsure whether IV sedation is right for you, our team can walk you through the options during your consultation.
Preparation is key to ensuring IV sedation goes smoothly. Following these guidelines helps minimize risk and supports a comfortable experience:
If you have any questions about preparation, our team is happy to go over everything with you ahead of time. Detailed pre-operative guidance is also available through our pre-anesthesia surgical instructions.
When you arrive at our Virginia Beach office, our surgical team will get you settled and walk you through what to expect. A small IV line will be placed, and the sedation medication will begin working quickly. Throughout your procedure, a trained member of our team monitors your vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation, to ensure you remain safe and comfortable.
Most patients have no clear memory of the procedure itself. You may feel slightly groggy when you first wake up, which is normal. Our team will stay with you during recovery until you are ready to go home with your designated driver.
The effects of IV sedation typically wear off within a few hours, but it is important to rest for the remainder of the day. Do not drive, operate machinery, or make significant decisions for at least 24 hours after your appointment. Light activity is fine, but you should avoid strenuous physical effort until your surgeon clears you. We will provide detailed post-operative instructions before you leave, and our team is always available if questions come up during recovery.
We are an independent, locally owned practice, and that independence shapes how we approach every patient interaction. Our surgical staff is highly trained, CPR certified, and focused on creating a genuinely warm environment for everyone who comes through our doors. Whether it’s a warm blanket during your procedure or the ability to listen to your favorite music, we take small steps to make a real difference in how comfortable you feel. We also hold hospital privileges at Virginia Beach Ambulatory Surgery Center, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, and Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, which means patients with more complex medical needs have access to care in a hospital setting when necessary.
We accept a wide range of insurance plans, including major PPO plans, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, TRICARE, and VA coverage, and we offer financing through CareCredit and Cherry Financing to help make care accessible. If you are ready to move forward or have questions about sedation options for your upcoming procedure, contact our Virginia Beach office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Goodove and our team.
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
