Sedation Options
At Utah Facial & Oral Surgery, your comfort and care are our top priorities. Whether you’re preparing for wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, or another form of oral surgery—your peace of mind is just as important as the outcome. Our board-certified oral surgeons are trained in all levels of sedation, including IV sedation and general anesthesia. We’ll walk you through the process so you can move forward feeling informed and at ease.
Why Sedation Might Be Recommended
Sedation helps create a controlled and comfortable environment for both you and your surgical team. It reduces stress, increases safety, and makes it possible to complete treatment efficiently.
You might benefit from sedation if you:
- Have a high level of dental anxiety
- Are undergoing a lengthy or complex procedure
- Have difficulty getting numb with local anesthetic alone
When you come in for a consultation, we’ll talk through your concerns and determine which sedation method is best for you.
Emphasis on IV Sedation
Many of our patients choose IV sedation because it balances comfort and control. It works quickly, keeps you in a restful state, and can be fine-tuned moment by moment. Unlike oral sedation, which has a fixed dosage, IV sedation allows our surgical team to increase or decrease sedation levels in real time.
With IV sedation, you likely won’t remember the procedure. You’ll feel like you took a short nap and woke up with the work already done. The recovery time varies but usually allows you to return home the same day with clear post-op instructions. Our team’s expertise in safely administering IV sedation ensures you’ll be well cared for from start to finish.
Your Sedation Options
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is the foundation of most procedures. It completely numbs the surgical area, so you won’t feel pain—only slight pressure. It’s often used alone for simple extractions or combined with another sedation method for added relaxation.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide provides mild sedation. You’ll breathe it through a mask, and within minutes feel calm but still alert. Recovery is quick—most patients can drive themselves home. It’s ideal for minor procedures or mild anxiety.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves taking medication before your appointment. It provides moderate sedation, often making you drowsy or relaxed enough to fall asleep. You’ll need someone to drive you to and from the office, and you likely won’t remember much of the procedure.
IV Sedation
IV sedation offers a deeper level of relaxation than oral sedation. It’s administered directly into the bloodstream for rapid onset and precise control. You’ll remain conscious but deeply relaxed, often with little or no memory afterward.
- Significant dental anxiety
- Multiple procedures performed at once
- A preference to be less aware during treatment
Our surgeons carefully monitor your vital signs during IV sedation using hospital-grade equipment to ensure safety at every step.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia induces complete unconsciousness and is reserved for extensive procedures or patients with specific medical needs. When required, it is performed in a hospital or surgery center with full anesthesia support and monitoring.
Safety and Preparation for Sedation
To ensure your safety, we start by reviewing your medical history and current medications. We’ll give you detailed instructions before your surgery, including whether you need to fast and how to prepare at home. It’s essential to have a trusted adult accompany you to your appointment and stay with you afterward.
During the procedure, we continuously monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. Our team includes trained professionals in emergency response, and we maintain strict sterilization and sedation protocols across all locations.
How to Choose the Right Sedation Option
Choosing the right sedation method depends on several factors. Your doctor will make a recommendation based on the type of procedure needed, your medical background, and your personal preferences. Some patients want to remain awake and aware; others prefer not to remember anything at all. Our role is to give you clear, trustworthy guidance so you can make the right decision.
We’ll answer your questions, explain your options simply, and tailor a sedation plan that works for you.
Contact Us to Learn More
With the right sedation option, treatment can feel smooth and stress-free. At Utah Facial & Oral Surgery, our team brings advanced training and a warm, patient-first approach to every treatment. We welcome you to schedule a consultation at one of our offices in Salt Lake City, South Jordan, or Lehi to explore the best sedation option for your needs.