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Sedation

IV sedation for oral surgery, chosen with you

Sedation helps you stay comfortable and calm during oral surgery. At North Georgia Oral Surgeon in Dawsonville, Dr. Abtin Shahriari offers options from local anesthesia and nitrous oxide to IV sedation, and recommends one based on your health history, how anxious you feel and the procedure you are having.

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Who it is for

Sedation can help if.

Some people feel fine with numbing alone. Others prefer more support. There is no wrong answer, only the one that suits your health and your procedure.

  • You feel nervous about dental or surgical visits, or have had a hard experience before
  • You are having several teeth removed, or a longer procedure such as implant surgery
  • You have a strong gag reflex or find it hard to sit still for long periods
  • Numbing medicine has been slow to work for you in the past
  • You simply want to remember as little of the procedure as possible
A bright waiting lounge with tan leather armchairs and a large window

How it works

How sedation is planned.

Safety starts with a careful review of your health, long before surgery day.

  1. Health review

    At your consultation, Dr. Abtin asks about your medical conditions, medicines, allergies and past experiences with anesthesia.

  2. Choosing an option

    He explains local anesthesia, nitrous oxide and IV sedation for your procedure, and you decide together.

  3. Preparing at home

    For IV sedation, follow the fasting instructions you are given, wear loose clothing with short sleeves and arrange an adult to drive you.

  4. Surgery day

    You receive the sedation you chose, and Dr. Abtin explains at your consultation how you are looked after during and after the procedure.

A consultation room with framed diplomas, a round white desk and two chairs
ConsultationMost of a consultation is for listening. Then you look at your scan together and decide on a plan.

Recovery

What happens after IV sedation?

Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes, and many people drive themselves home afterward. After IV sedation, you may feel drowsy or a little unsteady for the rest of the day, so an adult needs to drive you home and stay nearby.

For the rest of the day after IV sedation, do not drive, use machinery, sign important papers or drink alcohol. Start with clear fluids and soft food, then follow the instructions for your procedure. The after-surgery guide covers the basics.

Possible risks

  • Nausea or vomiting after sedation
  • Breathing that slows too much, a known risk of deeper sedation
  • Soreness or bruising where the IV was placed
  • A reaction to a medicine, which is why your health history and allergies are reviewed first

Dr. Abtin goes over the risks that apply to you, and how they are lowered, before you decide on surgery.

Read the general after-surgery guide

Sedation options

Three levels of comfort.

Every option on this page is available for the right patient and procedure. Dr. Abtin explains the tradeoffs so you can choose with confidence.

  • Option for this procedure

    Local anesthesia

    Numbs the area being treated. You are awake, and you feel pressure but not sharp pain.

  • Option for this procedure

    Nitrous oxide

    A gas you breathe through a small mask. It takes the edge off nerves and wears off within minutes after the mask comes off.

  • Option for this procedure

    IV sedation

    Medicine given through a vein places you in a deeply relaxed, sleep-like state. Most people remember little of the procedure. You need an adult to drive you home.

How sedation works at NGOS

Insurance and cost

Does insurance cover sedation?

Insurance coverage for sedation varies. Some plans help with IV sedation for certain surgical procedures, such as removal of impacted teeth, while others treat it as optional. Ask the team what your plan is likely to cover before your surgery date.

Insurance and financing

FAQ

Sedation and anesthesia: your questions.

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IV sedation places you in a deeply relaxed, sleep-like state. You keep breathing on your own, and most people remember little or nothing of the procedure. It is different from general anesthesia, and Dr. Abtin explains exactly what to expect at your consultation.

For IV sedation, you usually need an empty stomach. Follow the exact fasting instructions the team gives you, which often means nothing to eat or drink for several hours beforehand. For local anesthesia or nitrous oxide alone, a light meal is usually fine.

After nitrous oxide alone, many people can drive once it has worn off. After IV sedation, you cannot drive for the rest of the day. Plan for a responsible adult to bring you, wait during the procedure and take you home.

Sedation is planned around your health. Dr. Abtin reviews your medical history, medicines and allergies before recommending an option. Tell the team about any change in your health before surgery day.

Do not stop or change any medicine on your own. Bring a full list to your consultation, and Dr. Abtin will tell you which to take on the morning of surgery and which, if any, to pause, especially blood thinners and diabetes medicines.

Related care

You may also want to read.

All procedures

Sources for patients

General information from patient education pages by the organizations above. Page updated November 6, 2026.

Ready when you are

Talk with the team today.

Ask a question, ask about your insurance or book a consultation with Dr. Abtin at the Dawsonville office.

Request a visit Call (706) 969-7664