by Rana Baroudi
Dr. Baroudi is a Board Certified Periodontist. She has successfully passed the American Board of Periodontology oral and written examinations covering all phases of periodontal disease, its treatment and dental implants. She is also an Associate Clinical Professor of Periodontology at UCSF where she enjoys teaching and lecturing on a bi-monthly basis.
Learn MoreIf you’re scheduled for a dental implant or periodontal procedure and have been recommended IV sedation, you’re not alone. Many patients experience anxiety before dental surgery, and intravenous (IV) sedation offers a safe, comfortable, and effective way to reduce stress and ensure a smoother experience. At Cambrian Periodontics & Dental Implants in San Jose, Dr. Rana Baroudi and Dr. Trung H. Nguyen use IV sedation to help patients remain calm and relaxed during complex procedures such as gum grafting, bone grafting, dental implant placement, and other periodontal treatments.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about preparing for IV sedation, what to expect during the procedure, and how to recover comfortably afterward.
IV sedation, also known as “twilight sedation,” involves delivering a sedative medication through a small vein, usually in your arm or hand. The medication helps you enter a deeply relaxed state while remaining conscious enough to respond to verbal instructions. Most patients describe feeling drowsy, calm, and disconnected from the procedure, and many have little to no memory of it afterward.
Unlike oral sedation (which takes time to take effect) or nitrous oxide (which offers mild relaxation), IV sedation works quickly and can be precisely adjusted by your periodontist throughout the procedure. This allows for greater control, safety, and comfort.
Dr. Baroudi and Dr. Nguyen frequently recommend IV sedation for patients who:
At Cambrian Periodontics, IV sedation is always administered and monitored by trained professionals in a controlled environment. Your comfort and safety remain our top priority from start to finish.
Proper preparation ensures that your procedure goes smoothly and that you recover safely afterward. In the days leading up to your appointment, Dr. Baroudi’s team will provide you with detailed pre-sedation instructions tailored to your specific needs.
Before your appointment, we will conduct a thorough review of your medical history. You’ll discuss:
This helps our team determine the safest sedation plan for you. Be honest and complete—small details can make a big difference in ensuring your comfort and safety.
You will typically be asked not to eat or drink anything for at least 6–8 hours before your appointment. Having food or liquids in your stomach can increase the risk of complications such as nausea. You may be allowed to sip small amounts of water for essential medications, but only if approved by your periodontist.
On the day of your appointment, wear loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves to allow easy access to your arm. Avoid makeup, jewelry, or contact lenses. You may feel chilly during the procedure, so bringing a light jacket or sweater is a good idea.
You will not be able to drive or take public transportation after IV sedation. Arrange for a trusted adult—such as a friend or family member—to drive you home and stay with you for the remainder of the day. You’ll still feel drowsy and may not remember details clearly.
If you have concerns about the procedure or what to expect, ask them before your appointment. Dr. Baroudi and Dr. Nguyen are always happy to walk you through each step and explain how IV sedation will help make your treatment comfortable and stress-free.
When you arrive at the office, you’ll be escorted to the treatment area and made comfortable in the dental chair. Our team will attach small monitors to measure your blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart rate throughout the procedure.
Once you’re settled, a small IV line will be placed in your arm or hand. Within minutes, the sedative medication begins to take effect, and you’ll start to feel deeply relaxed. You’ll still be conscious but detached from the procedure, and time will seem to pass quickly.
During your sedation:
Once you’re fully sedated, your periodontal or implant procedure begins. Whether you’re receiving gum grafting to correct gum recession, bone grafting to strengthen your jaw before implant placement, or dental implants themselves, sedation allows you to remain comfortable throughout.
When the treatment is complete, the IV medication is stopped, and you’ll gradually begin to awaken. Most patients feel drowsy but comfortable and report little or no discomfort during the procedure.
Recovery is typically smooth, but you should plan for a full day of rest after your appointment. Here’s what to expect:
You’ll rest in our recovery area until you’re fully awake and stable. You may feel groggy or disoriented, which is normal. Our team will review post-sedation instructions and ensure you’re ready before releasing you to your companion.
You might experience:
These effects fade within several hours as your body clears the medication.
Once you’re home, continue to rest. Avoid physical activity, driving, operating machinery, or making major decisions until at least the following day.
Do:
Don’t:
If you notice anything unusual—such as persistent nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, excessive bleeding, or swelling at the IV site—contact our office immediately.
The effects of sedation wear off completely within about 24 hours, but your surgical recovery time will vary depending on the procedure performed. Gum grafts typically heal in a few weeks, while bone grafts or dental implants may take several months to integrate fully with the bone.
During this healing phase, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene and attend all follow-up appointments. Dr. Baroudi will evaluate your healing progress and provide guidance for continued care.
For ongoing health and prevention, our team may recommend periodontal maintenance cleanings every three to four months to keep your gums and implants healthy long after treatment.
IV sedation offers multiple benefits beyond anxiety relief:
Dr. Baroudi and Dr. Nguyen use only the safest, most effective sedation medications and continuously monitor every patient’s vital signs. This personalized approach minimizes risk while maximizing comfort.
Dr. Rana Baroudi and Dr. Trung H. Nguyen combine advanced clinical expertise with a compassionate, patient-centered approach. As board-certified specialists in periodontics and implant surgery, they bring years of training and experience to every case.
At Cambrian Periodontics, we understand that anxiety and fear can prevent patients from seeking the dental care they need. Our IV sedation services are designed to remove those barriers—so you can receive necessary treatments in a calm, pain-free environment. From your initial consultation through recovery, our entire team prioritizes your comfort, safety, and confidence.
Whether you are preparing for dental implants, bone grafting, gum grafting, or laser periodontal therapy, you can trust that your care will be handled with the highest level of precision and compassion.
IV sedation dentistry has transformed the way patients experience periodontal and implant procedures. It allows those with dental anxiety—or anyone facing a complex treatment—to undergo care comfortably, safely, and without fear.
With proper preparation, clear communication, and attentive recovery, IV sedation can make your next dental experience one of ease rather than stress. If you’ve been postponing important treatment because of nerves or fear, talk to Dr. Rana Baroudi and her team at Cambrian Periodontics & Dental Implants in San Jose about whether IV sedation is right for you.
Your comfort matters, your safety comes first, and your healthiest smile begins with confidence.
