What Is IV Sedation?

IV sedation (short for intravenous sedation) is a type of anesthesia administered through a small vein in your arm or hand. It helps you enter a relaxed, dreamlike state while remaining responsive enough to follow simple instructions. You won’t feel pain, anxiety, or discomfort—and most patients remember little to nothing about the procedure afterward.

This type of sedation is especially beneficial for oral surgery procedures such as:

• Tooth extractions
• Wisdom tooth removal
• Dental implant placement
• Bone grafting
• Sinus lift surgery

Dr. Diego Hurtado and Dr. Sean Healy use IV sedation to ensure every patient’s experience is not only pain-free but also free from the stress and fear that often accompany dental surgery.

Why Choose IV Sedation?

IV sedation offers several advantages that make it ideal for oral surgery:

• Rapid Onset: Works within minutes for immediate relaxation.
• Controlled Depth: The level of sedation can be precisely adjusted throughout the procedure.
• Enhanced Comfort: You’ll feel at ease, yet breathing naturally on your own.
• Faster Recovery: Effects wear off more smoothly than with general anesthesia.
• Reduced Memory of Procedure: Most patients wake up feeling like the entire appointment lasted only moments.

For anyone with dental anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, or multiple procedures scheduled at once, IV sedation can make the entire process comfortable and stress-free.

How IV Sedation Works

At our Santa Fe office, IV sedation is administered and monitored by our team. Safety and comfort are the highest priorities from start to finish.

Here’s what to expect during your visit:

1. Pre-Procedure Consultation:
   We review your medical history and discuss your comfort level and treatment plan. We’ll explain exactly how IV sedation works so you know what to expect.
2. Administration of Sedation:
   A small IV line is placed in your arm or hand. Within moments, you’ll feel relaxed and drowsy but comfortable and aware of your surroundings.
3. Monitoring Throughout the Procedure:
   Your vital signs—such as heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure—are continuously monitored. The sedation level can be adjusted instantly to ensure optimal comfort.
4. Recovery:
   After the procedure, you’ll rest in our recovery area until you’re fully awake. Because IV sedation can cause temporary drowsiness, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home.

Safety You Can Trust

IV sedation is extremely safe when performed by a qualified oral surgeon like Dr. Hurtado or Dr. Healy. Our specialized training in anesthesia administration ensures precise control throughout your procedure. Every step—from dosage to monitoring—is tailored to your needs.

Our surgical suite is equipped with advanced technology, including digital monitoring systems and emergency support equipment, although complications are exceedingly rare. Patients consistently report that IV sedation makes their experience more peaceful, comfortable, and completely pain-free.

What Makes IV Sedation Different

Many dental offices offer nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) or oral sedatives, but those methods provide only light relaxation. IV sedation goes deeper, offering complete comfort for more complex procedures without the risks of full general anesthesia.

Because it’s administered intravenously, we can fine-tune your sedation in real time. You won’t need to worry about swallowing pills or waiting for effects to kick in—it’s smooth, fast, and fully controlled.

Who Can Benefit from IV Sedation

IV sedation isn’t just for those with dental anxiety—it’s also an excellent choice for anyone undergoing longer or more complex oral surgeries. You may be a good candidate if you:

• Feel nervous or fearful about oral surgery
• Have had difficulty getting numb with local anesthesia in the past
• Need multiple procedures completed in one visit
• Have a sensitive gag reflex or low pain tolerance
• Simply want the most comfortable experience possible

During your consultation, we will determine if IV sedation is right for you and customize your care plan accordingly.

Your Comfort, Our Priority

Oral surgery can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to. At the Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center of Santa Fe, IV sedation transforms what could be a stressful experience into one that feels peaceful and effortless. With the right technology, expert care, and genuine compassion, you’ll stay comfortable from the moment you arrive until you’re safely on your way home.

Relax Through Your Next Procedure

If you’ve been delaying treatment because of fear or anxiety, IV sedation may be the perfect solution. Dr. Diego Hurtado, Dr. Sean Healy and their team can help you feel completely at ease while receiving the care your smile deserves.

Call us today or schedule your consultation online to learn how IV sedation can make your next oral surgery a calm and comfortable experience—because you deserve care that prioritizes your comfort.