If you’ve been putting off dental implants because of anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or past dental trauma, IV sedation can make your visit calm and comfortable. At Sleep Dentistry of Portland & Vancouver, our team tailors sedation to your needs so you can complete more care in fewer appointments, with precise planning and gentle monitoring from start to finish.
Why Choose IV Sedation for
Dental Implants?
- Deeper relaxation for longer visits. IV sedation works quickly and can safely be adjusted moment‑to‑moment so you stay comfortable through single, multi‑tooth, or full‑arch treatment.
- Little to no memory of the procedure. Many of our patients report remembering very little afterward, which helps break the cycle of dental fear.
- Efficient, consolidated care. Pair extractions, implant placement, and provisional teeth in fewer visits when appropriate.
- Comfort for sensitive reflexes. Ideal if you have a strong gag reflex, anxiety, needle sensitivity, or difficulty getting numb from other forms of sedation.
Prefer an even lighter option? We also offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation. For select cases, general anesthesia may be recommended so you can sleep through care. We’ll help you choose what’s safest and most comfortable for you.
3D Imaging & Guided Implant Planning (Comfort + Precision)
Our 3D imaging for dental implants creates a detailed 3D model of your jaws, mapping nerves, sinuses, and bone quality/volume, so we can plan implant size, angle, and depth with confidence.
Guided placement, when appropriate:
- We design a custom surgical guide that transfers the virtual plan precisely to your mouth.
- This helps protect important structures and position implants to support your final teeth, esthetics, and bite.
What this means for you:
- Shorter chair time and fewer surprises on procedure day.
- Smaller incisions and smoother recovery in many cases.
- Better esthetics and function for single, multi‑tooth, and full‑arch (All‑on‑X) plans, often allowing immediate fixed provisional teeth when indicated.
Paired with IV sedation, guided dental implants let many patients complete more in one visit, comfortably and predictably.
Your Implant Options Under IV Sedation
Single‑Tooth Dental Implants
- Replace one missing tooth without involving healthy neighbors.
- Custom abutment and crown designed to match your smile.
Multi‑Tooth Implants (Implant Bridge)
- Restore a small span of missing teeth with two or more implants supporting a bridge.
- Comfortable chewing and natural‑looking esthetics.
Full‑Arch Solutions (All‑on‑X)
- Replace an entire upper or lower arch on as few as four implants (treatment varies by case).
- Immediate, fixed provisional teeth are possible in many plans so you leave with a confident smile the same day.
- IV sedation helps you relax through longer appointments and combined procedures.
Who Is a Good Candidate for IV Sedation?
IV sedation may be recommended if you:
- Experience moderate to severe dental anxiety.
- Have a strong gag reflex or difficulty getting numb.
- Need multiple procedures in one visit (extractions + implants; grafting + implants).
- Prefer a deeper level of relaxation than oral sedation provides.
We’ll review your medical history, medications, and recent labs as needed to confirm eligibility. When appropriate, we coordinate with your physician to keep you safe. Trust is paramount to us as a provider, and with trust comes prioritizing your safety; Always.
What IV Sedation Feels Like
(and How We Keep You Safe)
- A small IV is placed so your clinician can administer medication and adjust your comfort quickly.
- You’ll feel deeply relaxed and may doze; many patients remember little of the visit.
- Your vitals are continuously monitored by trained professionals.
- You’ll need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you as the medication wears off.
What to Expect on Procedure Day
Bring a photo ID, your current medication list, and your escort. We’ll give you specific pre‑op instructions ahead of time; typically you’ll need to avoid food and drink for a period before IV sedation.
- Arrival & Comfort Check
We confirm your medical history and consent, record baseline vitals, review the plan, answer last questions, and verify you followed pre‑op instructions and have a responsible adult to take you home. - Sedation & Local Anesthesia
A small IV is placed so medication can be adjusted for your comfort. Your blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen levels are continuously monitored; supplemental oxygen is provided when appropriate. We also use local anesthesia so you stay comfortably numb while you relax or doze. - Procedure
As outlined in your plan: extractions (if needed), guided implant placement, and provisional teeth when indicated, often in a single visit depending on your case. - Recovery in Office
We’ll monitor you until you’re alert and stable, review written instructions with you and your escort, and provide any prescriptions and supplies. A quick verification image may be taken. - Ride Home & First 24 Hours
Rest, avoid driving, alcohol, and important decisions. Begin soft foods as directed and take medications as prescribed. Call us with any concerns; we’ll schedule follow‑ups to track healing.
Costs, Insurance & Easy Financing
Implant and sedation costs vary based on the number of implants, grafting needs, and sedation duration. We provide a clear estimate before any treatment begins and help you understand your insurance benefits. No insurance? Ask about flexible monthly payments with Sunbit and CareCredit.
Recovery & Aftercare Tips
You’ll leave with printed, personalized instructions. In general, it will look similar to this:
The day of your procedure
- Rest for the remainder of the day and keep your head slightly elevated.
- No driving, operating machinery, alcohol, or important decisions for 24 hours after IV sedation.
- Bite firmly on the provided gauze for 30–45 minutes; replace as needed. A little oozing/pink saliva is normal.
- Apply ice packs 20 minutes on / 20 minutes off for the first 24 hours to help with swelling.
- Avoid spitting, vigorous rinsing, or drinking through a straw today. No smoking or vaping for at least 72 hours.
Eating & oral hygiene
- Start with cool, soft foods (yogurt, eggs, mashed potatoes, smoothies without a straw, lukewarm soup) and stay hydrated.
- Chew on the opposite side and follow a soft‑diet as directed. If you received provisional fixed teeth or a denture, avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods until cleared.
- Brush gently tonight, avoiding the surgical area. Begin gentle saltwater rinses (or a prescribed rinse) the day after meals, 2–3x/day—don’t swish vigorously.
Medications
- Take pain medication exactly as directed (it can help to start before the numbness fully wears off).
- If prescribed, take antibiotics and other medications on schedule. Call us if you notice side effects.
Activity
- Keep activity light for 48–72 hours; avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I really sleep through implant surgery?
IV sedation helps you relax and may cause drowsiness; many patients remember little. For select cases, general anesthesia allows you to sleep through care.
How long does IV sedation last for dental implants?
The medication works quickly and is adjustable. You’ll need an escort home and should rest the remainder of the day.
Will I feel pain during the procedure?
You’ll be numb and deeply relaxed. Some pressure or sounds are normal; discomfort is typically minimal and managed with medication.
Is IV sedation safe?
Yes when provided by trained professionals with appropriate monitoring. We review your health history and coordinate with your physician when needed.
How much do implants with IV sedation cost?
It depends on the number of implants, whether bone grafting is needed, and the length of your visit. We’ll provide a clear estimate and discuss Sunbit and CareCredit options.
Can I eat before my appointment?
You’ll receive specific pre‑op instructions; typically you’ll need to avoid food and drink for a period before sedation. We’ll confirm the details during your consultation.
Ready to Talk About Implants?
If you’re considering single, multi‑tooth, or full‑arch implants and want a calmer experience, we’re here to help. Tell us what would make your visit easier, we’ll match the sedation option to your needs and goals.
