The thought of oral surgery can make even the calmest person feel a little uneasy, but here’s the good news: you don’t have to white-knuckle your way through the experience. Modern sedation options can turn what feels like a daunting procedure into a comfortable, stress-free appointment where you barely remember a thing. Whether you need a gentle touch of relaxation or prefer to sleep through the entire process, there’s a sedation method designed to meet your needs and help you feel completely at ease.
At Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we understand that each patient has unique needs and concerns when it comes to oral surgery procedures. Our board-certified oral surgeons are trained in anesthesia administration and have an impeccable track record for patient safety. We take the time to discuss your sedation options and select the method that best aligns with your medical history, anxiety level, and treatment plan.
Understanding Sedation Levels
Different procedures and patient needs call for varying levels of sedation.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, provides the mildest form of sedation. You breathe this odorless gas through a small mask during your procedure, and it helps you feel relaxed while remaining fully conscious and able to respond to questions. The effects wear off quickly after you take off the mask, allowing you to resume your normal activities shortly after your appointment.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation involves taking medication before your procedure to help you feel drowsy and calm. You’ll remain awake but deeply relaxed, and you may have little to no memory of the procedure afterward. This option works well for patients with moderate anxiety or for longer procedures. You’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment since the effects can last several hours.
IV Sedation
IV sedation provides a deeper level of sedation through medication administered directly into your bloodstream. This allows us to adjust your sedation level throughout your procedure to keep you comfortable. You’ll likely have no memory of the surgery, though you can still respond to verbal cues. This option is often recommended for complex procedures such as wisdom tooth removal or dental implant placement.
Choosing the Right Sedation Option
Several factors influence which sedation method works best for you. Your level of anxiety plays a significant role in this decision. Dental anxiety affects approximately 20% of the population, with some patients feeling only mild nervousness while others experience severe fear that prevents them from seeking necessary care. Understanding where you land on this spectrum helps us recommend the most appropriate sedation approach.
The complexity and length of your procedure also matter. Quick, straightforward treatments like simple extractions may only require local anesthesia and nitrous oxide. More involved procedures like bone grafting or treating oral pathology often warrant IV sedation to keep you comfortable throughout the extended surgical time.
Your medical history helps determine which sedation options are safest for you. We review your health conditions, medications, and previous experiences with anesthesia during your consultation. This information helps us create a personalized sedation plan that minimizes risks and maximizes your comfort.
What to Expect with Sedation
Before your procedure, we provide detailed pre-operative instructions. These typically include fasting for several hours before your appointment if you’ll receive IV sedation or general anesthesia. You should arrange for an adult to drive you home and remain with you for several hours after your surgery.
During your procedure, our trained surgical staff closely monitors your vital signs, including heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure. We adjust your sedation as needed to maintain your comfort while keeping you safe. Our entire team is CPR certified and prepared to handle any situation that may arise.
After your procedure, you’ll rest in our recovery area while the sedation wears off. We monitor you until you’re stable and ready to go home. You’ll receive detailed post-operative instructions and can contact us anytime if you have questions or concerns during your recovery.
Safety Considerations
Patient safety remains our top priority in every procedure we perform. Our oral surgeons have completed extensive training in anesthesia administration during their four-year residency programs and maintain board certification through continuing education. We bring in certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) when additional expertise would benefit your case, providing an extra layer of safety that sets us apart from many other practices.
For patients who require hospital-level care due to complex medical conditions, we have operating privileges at Virginia Beach Ambulatory Surgery Center, Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, and Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters. We never take unnecessary risks with your health and will recommend the most appropriate setting for your specific needs.
Experience Comfortable Oral Surgery at Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
You deserve oral surgery care that prioritizes both your comfort and your safety. Our board-certified oral surgeons combine advanced training, state-of-the-art technology, and genuine compassion to deliver exceptional results. Whether you need wisdom tooth extraction, dental implants, or treatment for oral pathology, we customize your sedation to meet your unique needs and help you feel at ease throughout your experience.
As your hometown oral surgeons, we’ve remained independent while many competitors have gone corporate, allowing us to make decisions quickly and focus on building lasting relationships with you and your referring dentist. Our team is here to answer your questions about sedation options and help you schedule your consultation through our convenient contact form.
