A Calm, Stress-Free Experience for Surgical Procedures

For patients who experience anxiety or fear surrounding oral surgery, intravenous (I.V.) sedation provides a reliable and calming solution by inducing a deeply relaxed, semi-conscious state in which they remain responsive but free of distress. At Hehr Oral Surgery, we administer I.V. sedation in a fully equipped, closely monitored surgical setting, offering a safe and controlled experience for those undergoing moderate to complex procedures. Patients from Charleston, MacLaura Hall, Ladson, Hanahan, Summerville, St. George, Walterboro, Orangeburg, Santee, and Holly Hill can expect personalized care focused on comfort and safety from start to finish.

What Is I.V. Sedation?

I.V. sedation involves administering sedative medication directly into the bloodstream through a small catheter placed in the arm or hand. This method produces rapid relaxation and often causes partial or full memory loss of the procedure, which many patients find reassuring.

Although you won’t be completely unconscious, as with general anesthesia, you’ll feel detached from your surroundings and unaware of the details of your surgery. Most patients remain able to respond to verbal cues and breathe independently.

When Is I.V. Sedation Recommended?

I.V. sedation is commonly used in the following situations:

• Wisdom teeth removal
• Dental implant placement
• Bone grafting or sinus lifts
• Multiple tooth extractions
• Oral surgery in patients with severe anxiety or a strong gag reflex
• Lengthy or technically involved procedures

Dr. R. Jason J. Hehr, DMD evaluates each patient’s medical history, procedure complexity, and comfort level to determine whether I.V. sedation is appropriate for their surgical care.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Sedation

Before:

• A consultation will be completed to review your health status, medications, and sedation history
• You will receive clear pre-operative instructions, including fasting guidelines
• A responsible adult must accompany you and remain with you for the rest of the day

During:

• I.V. sedation is started in the surgical suite and takes effect within minutes
• You will be monitored continuously for heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and responsiveness
• The procedure will begin only after you're fully relaxed

After:

• You’ll wake feeling drowsy, but you won’t remember most of the appointment
• Recovery takes place in-office under supervision
• Full effects may wear off within a few hours, but rest is required for the remainder of the day

Benefits of I.V. Sedation

• Fast-acting and adjustable during the procedure
• Minimizes anxiety and fear without rendering the patient fully unconscious
• Amnesia effect reduces memory of the procedure
• Increased comfort for complex or lengthy surgeries
• Safe and efficient for healthy patients under monitored conditions

Is I.V. Sedation Safe?

When administered by trained professionals in a surgical setting, I.V. sedation is extremely safe. Our facility is certified for sedation procedures, and our team is trained in advanced life support and anesthesia monitoring. Dr. Hehr follows strict safety protocols to ensure each patient’s well-being throughout their surgical visit.