Undergoing oral surgery can be scary and stressful, especially for those who experience dental anxiety because of a bad experience as child in a dentist’s office. That’s why Bay Area Surgical Arts we offer IV sedation or General anesthesia (GA) at our QUAD A – accredited surgery center in Los Gatos by the G2 Anesthesia Group. Many patients come to us for second and third opinions for their oral surgical needs because they were only offered local anesthesia as an option.
Do not let anyone, including you dentist foll you into thinking that local anesthesia is “enough” to get you through an oral surgical procedure. Why do you think Dr. Horace Wells, an American Dentist, was the first to introduce anesthesia as a valuable option to reduce the patients discomfort during tooth extractions, dating back all way to the 1800’s. Have we still not learned our lessons? This is why the majority of oral surgical procedures in the US and across the world are done under IV sedation and General anesthesia. It helps patients completely avoid feeling or remembering anything during the procedure. Patient usually state that they feel “calm”, and most will usually say why their dentist does not offer this as an option for routine dental procedure.
If you’re scheduled for oral surgery involving IV sedation at Bay Area Surgical Arts, you might be wondering what to expect and how to prepare. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from understanding IV sedation itself to feeling ready for the big day.
What Is IV Sedation?
IV sedation, or intravenous sedation, is a type of conscious sedation administered through a vein, typically in your arm. Unlike general anesthesia, which renders patients completely unconscious, IV sedation places you in a relaxed state often referred to as “twilight sleep.” You’ll be deeply relaxed and unaware of the procedure, but you’ll still be able to respond to instructions if needed.
IV Sedation vs. General Anesthesia
- IV Sedation: You are in a semi-conscious state, to a point that you do not have any recall of the procedure. Some liken it to being deeply relaxed or going to sleep at night and waking up the next morning. The patient will spontaneously breath on their own and recovery is faster than general anesthesia.
- General Anesthesia: Completely unconscious state, meaning your body is typically paralyzed temporarily in order to place breathing tube in the lungs in order for a special machine to breath for you. Obviously, this requires more intensive monitoring and extended recovery and in out office only done by an MD- anesthesiologist. This is usually reserved for the very young (children under 7 years old), elderly patient or patients with extensive past medical history such as Parkinson’s, dimension. In some cases, we employed this method for patients to have Down syndrome or have ADHD or autism spectrum.
Benefits of IV Sedation
- Pain Control: The only thing that you may feel is start of the IV in your arm and then the rest is history. It’s very similar to a lab test at your primary doctor or if you have every donated blood. All the additional local anesthesia “shots” that is typically given in the mouth is done after you are is fully asleep. This completely eliminates any discomfort during surgery.
- No Gag Reflex: Patient will typically have a strong gag reflex will usually need IV sedation show since this is the only way to turn this reflux off in order to be able to safely perform the procedure in the mouth.
- Faster Recovery: Patients wake up naturally and typically feel back to normal twice as fast. This is due to the fact that patients are typically provided with IV medications to help speed up the recovery process which cannot be provided when you are only receiving local anesthesia. In our office as we provide patients with anti-swelling, anti-pain, anti-nausea, antibiotics and other medications to help speed up the recovery process so you get back on your feet and back to routine as quickly as possible.
IV sedation provides a balance of relaxation and safety, making oral surgery a much less intimidating experience for most patients.
Who Is a Good Candidate for IV Sedation?
Not everyone undergoing oral surgery requires sedation, but it can be a game-changer for some. Here are the qualities that make someone a good fit for IV sedation.
- Patients with Dental Anxiety
If the thought of lying back in the dental chair fills you with dread, IV sedation can make your experience far more pleasant. It’s a proven solution for patients who suffer from intense anxiety or fear of oral surgery.
- Complex or Lengthy Procedures
For surgeries like wisdom tooth extractions or dental implants that take extended periods, IV sedation ensures you stay comfortable from start to finish. Additionally, because of all the preoperative IV medications that are given to before the start of the procedure the recovery will be much faster and your risk for postop complications, i.e., infections is reduced.
- Strong Gag Reflex
A severe gag reflex can complicate oral surgery, but IV sedation helps relax your muscles and minimize or completely turn off this response.
- Overall, Health Considerations
Patients undergoing IV sedation should be in good general health and meet specific eligibility criteria set by their surgeon. In some cases, your oral surgeon may require to see your primary care doctor for a comprehensive physical examination with labs before proceeding with oral surgical procedure, especially if you have an extensive past medical history.
How to Prepare for IV Sedation
Proper preparation is essential to ensure a safe and smooth experience with IV sedation during oral surgery. Here’s your complete pre-surgery checklist.
Fasting Guidelines (for a more comprehensive instruction, you will be provided with the “Preop Safety Guidelines” after visiting our office for a consultation.)
- Do not eat anything for 8 hours
- For healthy patients, it is recommended to have clear liquids (water) up to 2 hours prior to surgery.
- An empty stomach reduces the risk of complications during sedation, such as nausea or aspiration.
Medications and Health Considerations (for a more comprehensive instruction, you will be provided with the “Preop Safety guidelines” after visiting our office for a consultation.)
- Inform your surgeon about all medications you’re currently taking.
- Most of the time you will be asked to continue your blood pressure medications.
- You may need to temporarily stop taking certain drugs, such as blood thinners, as advised.
- Share any medical conditions or concerns with your surgical team ahead of time.
Transportation and Recovery Planning (for a more comprehensive instruction, you will be provided with the “Preop Safety guidelines” after visiting our office for a consultation.)
- You will be “under the influence”, hence you will need to arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery, as you won’t be able to operate a vehicle.
- Plan to rest for the remainder of the day to allow for the IV medications to wear off.
- Avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or making important decisions for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
Comfortable Clothing and Personal Preparation (for a more comprehensive instruction, you will be provided with the “Preop Safety guidelines” after visiting our office for a consultation.)
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing, such as a short-sleeve shirt, to allow easy access for the IV line.
- Remove contact lenses, jewelry, and nail polish before arriving.
- Skip makeup or heavy lotions to ensure there are no issues with monitoring equipment.
By following these steps, you’ll be setting yourself up for a safe and positive surgical experience.
What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
Knowing what happens on the day of your oral surgery can help ease nerves and instill confidence in the process.
- Check-In and Consultation
Upon arrival, you’ll check in and meet with your oral surgery team to review your procedure and address any last-minute concerns.
- IV Line Placement
A small IV line will be placed in your arm. Upon request, we will even provide a numbing cream to the IV site before starting. Once the IV access is obtained, the sedation medication will begin working with in 15 seconds, so you’ll feel fully relaxed within minutes.
- Relaxation During Surgery
Throughout the procedure, sedation will keep you calm and comfortable. Many patients don’t even remember the surgery afterward! Some will even question: “when are we starting?!”
- Continuous Monitoring
As required by law, your vital signs will be closely monitored to ensure your safety. After the procedure, you’ll receive written post-surgical care instructions before heading home.
Post-Sedation Recovery and Aftercare
Once your surgery is complete, there are a few steps to ensure a smooth recovery.
Immediate Post-Sedation Effects
- You’ll likely feel groggy and drowsy when you wake up—this is completely normal.
- Have your driver ready to take you home and allow yourself time to rest.
- You will most likely need to pick up prescriptions from your pharmacy of choice on the way home.
Hydration, Pain Management, and Medication
- Stay hydrated by drinking water once your surgeon gives the green light to resume drinking liquids.
- Follow the prescribed pain management plan to keep discomfort under control.
- Take any medications as directed to prevent infection or aid healing.
Resuming Normal Activities
- Most patients will need stay on a soft, non-chewing diet for the 7 – 10 days until the follow up appointment.
- No physical activity for the 7 – 10 days until the follow up appointment. You need to wait for your surgeon’s approval before resuming normal exercise or strenuous tasks.
When to Contact Your Surgeon
Watch for any unusual symptoms, such as severe bleeding, fever, or prolonged discomfort, and contact your surgeon right away if needed.
Prepare Confidently for IV Sedation
Proper preparation is key to a safe and successful oral surgery experience. By following guidelines for fasting, communicating openly with your surgical team, and arranging for the right post-surgery care, you’ll go into your procedure feeling confident and ready.
At Bay Area Surgical Arts, we’re here to answer any of your questions and guide you through the process of IV sedation. If you’d like to learn more or schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate—reach out today!
Contact Bay Area Surgical Arts:
415-728-9128
