The thought of oral surgery makes your heart race. Maybe you've avoided necessary treatment for months—or years—because the anxiety feels insurmountable. Perhaps a previous dental experience left lasting fear that makes even routine appointments difficult. Or maybe you simply know yourself well enough to understand that staying calm during a surgical procedure isn't something you can willpower your way through.

If any of this sounds familiar, IV sedation may be the solution that finally makes oral surgery feel manageable. At Davary & Smith Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center, Dr. Ashkan Davary and Dr. Christopher Smith provide IV sedation in a facility built to the highest safety standards—giving anxious patients a path to the care they need without the distress they've been dreading.

Both Dr. Davary and Dr. Smith are dual-degree oral and maxillofacial surgeons, holding both DDS and MD degrees. This extensive training in medicine, dentistry, and anesthesia means they don't just perform surgery—they're experts in keeping you safe and comfortable throughout the entire experience.

Understanding IV Sedation

IV sedation, sometimes called "twilight sedation" or conscious sedation, delivers medication directly into your bloodstream through a small IV line. This allows your surgical team to precisely control your level of sedation throughout the procedure, adjusting as needed for your comfort and safety.

Unlike general anesthesia, which renders you completely unconscious and requires breathing support, IV sedation creates a deeply relaxed state where you remain technically conscious but profoundly calm. Most patients describe the experience as feeling like they slept through the procedure. Time seems to compress—a surgery lasting an hour might feel like it took only minutes. Many patients have little to no memory of the procedure afterward, which can be particularly beneficial for those whose anxiety stems from past traumatic dental experiences.

The medication takes effect within seconds of administration. You'll feel relaxed almost immediately, and your surgical team will ensure you've reached the appropriate sedation level before beginning any procedure. Throughout surgery, your vital signs are continuously monitored, and sedation can be adjusted in real-time based on your response.

Why Facility Standards Matter for Sedation

Not all oral surgery offices are equipped to provide IV sedation safely. The difference often comes down to facility design, equipment, and staff training—factors that may not be obvious to patients but significantly impact safety.

Davary & Smith is one of the few oral surgery centers in Northern Virginia built to NFPA 99 Category 1 hospital standards. This designation means the facility meets the same rigorous requirements for anesthesia safety and emergency preparedness as a hospital operating room. Medical-grade monitoring equipment tracks your heart rhythm, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs continuously. Emergency equipment and medications are immediately accessible. Staff are trained in advanced life support protocols.

This level of preparation matters because while IV sedation is extremely safe when administered properly, complications can occur with any form of anesthesia. Having hospital-grade infrastructure ensures that if anything unexpected happens, your surgical team has the resources and training to respond immediately and effectively.

Who Benefits Most From IV Sedation

While anyone undergoing oral surgery can choose IV sedation for comfort, certain patients find it particularly valuable:

Patients with dental anxiety or phobia. If fear has prevented you from seeking treatment, IV sedation removes the psychological barrier. You won't experience the sights, sounds, or sensations that trigger your anxiety. Many patients who've avoided dentistry for years finally complete needed treatment once sedation becomes available.

Patients undergoing lengthy or complex procedures. Wisdom teeth removal, dental implant placement, bone grafting, and full-arch restorations can take time. Remaining still and comfortable for an extended procedure is challenging even for patients without anxiety. Sedation makes longer surgeries feel brief and effortless.

Patients with strong gag reflexes. Some people have difficulty tolerating instruments in their mouths due to sensitive gag reflexes. Sedation suppresses this reflex, allowing procedures to proceed smoothly.

Patients with physical limitations. Conditions that make it difficult to keep your mouth open for extended periods or remain still during treatment become non-issues under sedation.

Patients who want to combine multiple procedures. Rather than scheduling several separate appointments, sedation allows you to complete multiple extractions, implant placements, or other procedures in a single visit.

What to Expect Before, During, and After

Understanding the process often reduces anxiety about sedation itself. Here's what a typical experience involves:

Before your procedure. You'll receive specific instructions about eating and drinking restrictions—typically nothing by mouth after midnight the night before. You'll need to arrange transportation, as you won't be able to drive for 24 hours after sedation. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with sleeves that roll up easily for IV placement. Leave jewelry and contact lenses at home.

Arriving at the office. Your surgical team will review your medical history, confirm your fasting status, and answer any last-minute questions. A small IV line will be placed in your arm or hand—this involves a brief pinch similar to having blood drawn. Once the IV is secure, sedation medication begins flowing, and relaxation follows within seconds.

During your procedure. You'll be aware enough to respond to simple instructions if needed, but you'll feel deeply calm and detached from what's happening. Time will seem to pass quickly. Your vital signs are monitored continuously, and sedation levels are adjusted as needed.

After your procedure. As sedation wears off, you'll gradually become more alert. You may feel groggy or sleepy for several hours. Your designated driver will take you home, where you should rest for the remainder of the day. Most patients feel back to normal by the following morning, though you should follow all post-operative instructions regarding activity and medications.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Will I say embarrassing things?" This is a common worry, often fueled by viral videos of patients after wisdom teeth removal. While sedation can lower inhibitions, most patients simply feel relaxed and sleepy. Your surgical team has seen it all and maintains your dignity regardless.

"What if sedation doesn't work on me?" Because IV sedation is administered directly into your bloodstream, it works reliably. Your surgical team can also adjust dosing in real-time if you need more or less medication.

"Is it safe?" When administered by properly trained professionals in an appropriately equipped facility, IV sedation has an excellent safety profile. The dual-degree training of oral and maxillofacial surgeons includes extensive anesthesia education—far beyond what most dental professionals receive.

"How much does it cost?" Sedation is an additional fee beyond the surgical procedure itself, but many patients consider it well worth the investment for the comfort it provides. During your consultation, you'll receive complete cost information.

Taking the First Step

Dental anxiety is real, and it shouldn't prevent you from receiving care that protects your oral health and quality of life. IV sedation offers a way to complete necessary procedures comfortably, safely, and without the distress that may have kept you from treatment in the past.

Schedule Your Consultation at Davary & Smith

Dr. Ashkan Davary and Dr. Christopher Smith combine surgical excellence with genuine compassion, providing concierge-level care in a state-of-the-art facility designed for your safety and comfort. Whether you need wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, bone grafting, or other oral surgery, IV sedation can make the experience far easier than you might imagine.

Davary & Smith Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center 21351 Gentry Dr, Suite 115 Sterling, VA 20166 Phone: (703) 972-7773

Schedule your consultation online or call our office. Don't let anxiety stand between you and the care you deserve.

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