DuPont Circle | Washington, DC
Downtown McLean | Virginia
Nervous About Oral Surgery? You’re Not Alone.
For many patients, the thought of oral surgery brings a level of anxiety that can delay treatment for months—or even years. Whether it’s fear of discomfort, loss of control, or a past negative experience, those concerns are valid and more common than most people realize.
IV sedation is designed to remove that barrier entirely, allowing you to move forward with treatment comfortably and with confidence. Instead of enduring the procedure, you’ll experience your oral surgery in a deeply relaxed state—calm, comfortable, and largely unaware of what’s happening. For many patients, this changes everything. Treatment that once felt overwhelming becomes manageable, and often far easier than expected.
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At Saltman Implantology & Oral Surgery, IV sedation is administered and carefully monitored by Dr. Saltman himself, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with extensive hospital-based anesthesia training. This allows patients to undergo oral surgery in a controlled, stress-free environment with complete continuity of care. Whether you’re planning dental implants, wisdom teeth removal, or a more advanced reconstructive procedure, sedation can fundamentally change the entire experience.
​Unlike many settings where sedation is delegated to a separate provider, your care here is managed entirely by your oral surgeon from start to finish.
What Is IV Sedation?
IV (intravenous) sedation is an advanced form of conscious sedation used in oral surgery to help patients remain relaxed and comfortable throughout their procedure.
Because the medication is delivered directly into the bloodstream, it works quickly and predictably. Sedation levels can be adjusted in real time, ensuring a consistent and optimal level of comfort from start to finish.
Most patients describe the experience as a peaceful, dream-like state with little awareness of the procedure—and often little to no memory afterward.
A Solution for Oral Surgery Anxiety
Oral surgery anxiety is one of the most common reasons patients delay necessary care. Unfortunately, postponing treatment can lead to more complex problems over time.
IV sedation offers a way forward.
It is especially beneficial for patients who feel uneasy about oral surgery, have had difficult past experiences, or require longer or more involved procedures. By removing the stress and tension associated with surgery, sedation allows you to focus on the outcome—not the process.
When Is IV Sedation Used in Oral Surgery?
While many oral surgery procedures can technically be performed under local anesthesia, IV sedation provides a significantly more comfortable experience—particularly for advanced or complex care.
It is commonly used for procedures such as dental implant placement, full-mouth reconstruction, wisdom teeth removal, bone grafting, and other surgical treatments involving the jaw and surrounding structures.
In these cases, sedation not only enhances comfort but also allows treatment to be completed more efficiently, often reducing the number of visits required.
What the Experience Feels Like
One of the most reassuring aspects of IV sedation is how quickly it takes effect. Within minutes, a sense of calm replaces any initial anxiety.
Time often feels compressed—procedures that take several hours may feel as though they passed in moments. Many patients are surprised to learn their surgery is already complete when they begin to wake. Patients frequently tell us they remember little to nothing about their procedure
The goal is simple: to make your oral surgery experience feel effortless from beginning to end.
Safety and Expertise You Can Trust
IV sedation for oral surgery is extremely safe when administered by a properly trained surgical team. Throughout your procedure, your vital signs are continuously monitored, and sedation levels are carefully adjusted in real time.
This level of precision allows for both optimal comfort and a high standard of safety—without compromise.
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Because sedation is managed directly by your oral surgeon, Dr. Saltman, every aspect of your care—from anesthesia to surgical precision—is coordinated seamlessly in real time. This ensures you remain stable, comfortable, and well cared for throughout your procedure.
What to Expect Before and After Oral Surgery
Before your procedure, you’ll receive detailed instructions to help you prepare, along with a medical evaluation to determine if IV sedation is appropriate for you. On the day of surgery, you’ll need a trusted companion to accompany you home.
After your procedure, you’ll feel drowsy as the sedation gradually wears off. Most patients remember very little of the surgery itself and spend the rest of the day resting comfortably. Clear aftercare instructions will be provided to support a smooth recovery.
A More Refined Approach to Oral Surgery
For patients seeking a higher level of comfort, IV sedation offers a fundamentally different way to experience oral surgery.
It allows complex procedures—such as dental implants or full-mouth reconstruction—to be completed without the stress, discomfort, or prolonged awareness traditionally associated with surgery.
For many patients, it’s the difference between delaying treatment and finally moving forward with confidence.
Schedule a Sedation Consultation
If anxiety or uncertainty has been holding you back from moving forward with oral surgery, IV sedation may be the solution.
We invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss your options and determine the most comfortable approach to your care.
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Call our office or request an appointment online today.
Washington, DC: 202-331-4110
