ATTENTION VA BEACH PATIENTS:
Our new location is 837 First Colonial Road, VA Beach, VA 23451
For many people, dental anxiety is a real barrier to getting the care they need. Whether it’s concern about discomfort, fear of the unknown, or a difficult experience in the past, feeling nervous before oral surgery is completely understandable. Oral conscious sedation offers a way to move forward with your care comfortably, so you can get the treatment you need without unnecessary worry.
At Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we want every patient to feel safe and supported from the moment they walk through our doors. Our Virginia Beach team, led by board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Scott R. Goodove, DDS, is trained in all aspects of anesthesia administration. As an independent, community-rooted practice, we take the time to talk through your sedation options, answer your questions, and make sure you feel genuinely comfortable with your care plan before any procedure begins.
Oral conscious sedation is a form of anxiety and pain management in which a prescription medication is taken by mouth before your procedure. It produces a deeply relaxed, calm state while keeping you conscious throughout your treatment. You will be able to respond to verbal prompts from our team, but most patients feel drowsy and at ease, with little to no memory of the procedure afterward.
Before your appointment, you’ll receive a prescribed sedative, typically from the benzodiazepine family, to take at home prior to arriving at our office. Because the medication takes time to reach full effect, a trusted adult must drive you to and from your appointment. Once you’re settled in, we monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure to keep you safe and comfortable the entire time.
Oral conscious sedation is a popular choice for patients who experience moderate to significant dental anxiety, those who have had difficult experiences with dental or surgical procedures in the past, or anyone who simply prefers a more relaxed approach to their care. It is also a helpful option for patients with a strong gag reflex, difficulty sitting still for longer appointments, or those scheduled for more involved procedures such as wisdom teeth removal or dental implant placement.
Our team will walk you through everything you need to know well ahead of your appointment. Reviewing our pre-anesthesia surgical instructions is a great way to feel prepared before you arrive. Below are a few key things to keep in mind.
There are several steps to take in the hours leading up to your procedure to help ensure your safety and the effectiveness of your sedation.
Recovery from oral conscious sedation is generally smooth. Most patients feel groggy for several hours after their procedure, so it is important to plan to rest for the remainder of the day. You should not drive, operate heavy machinery, make major decisions, or sign legal documents until the sedative has fully cleared your system, which typically takes the rest of the day. Your accompanying adult should remain with you at home until you are fully alert.
Safety is our first priority in everything we do. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete a minimum of four years of hospital-based surgical residency training that includes dedicated rotations in anesthesiology, which means our team is well-prepared to administer and monitor sedation appropriately. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, OMSs are trained in all levels of pain and anxiety control, including conscious sedation and general anesthesia.
Throughout your procedure, our surgical staff carefully monitors your vital signs and remains attentive to your comfort and well-being. All staff members are CPR-certified, and our Virginia Beach office is fully equipped to handle your care from start to finish. For patients with more complex medical or anesthetic needs, we also have operating privileges at Virginia Beach Ambulatory Surgery Center, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, and Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters.
Oral conscious sedation is one of several approaches we offer to help patients feel comfortable during oral surgery. Depending on your procedure, medical history, and personal preferences, we may discuss other options with you as well. Our blog post on sedation options for oral surgery covers these choices in more detail and can help you think through what may be the right fit for your situation.
During your consultation, our team will review your health history, medications, and any concerns you have before recommending a sedation approach. We want to make sure every decision is the right one for you specifically, not just a standard recommendation. At Goodove Oral Surgery, the goal is always to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Choosing the right oral surgeon makes a real difference in how you feel before, during, and after your procedure. Dr. Scott R. Goodove has spent his career building a practice rooted in honest communication, clinical skill, and genuine care for the Hampton Roads community. As an independent practice, we take the time to get to know our patients rather than rushing through appointments, and that commitment extends to every aspect of your sedation and surgical care.
If dental anxiety has been keeping you from getting the care you need, we encourage you to reach out. Our Virginia Beach team is here to answer your questions and help you feel ready for whatever comes next. Contact our Virginia Beach office to request a consultation and take the first step toward comfortable, confident care.
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
