Dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons people delay the oral surgery care they need. At Wilshire Oral Surgery and Implant Center, we believe that fear should never stand between you and a healthy, pain-free mouth. Our team offers four levels of sedation and anesthesia so every patient, regardless of anxiety level or procedure complexity, can receive care in complete comfort.
Dr. Jonathan R. Shadi and Dr. Saman Vahedi completed their oral and maxillofacial surgery residencies at top academic medical centers, where their training included a dedicated 4 to 6 month anesthesia rotation working directly alongside anesthesiologists and nurse-anesthetists. That hands-on hospital training, combined with over three years of in-residency IV sedation experience across oral surgery and multiple other surgical specialties, means you are in the care of surgeons who administer anesthesia with the same rigor as a hospital operating room. Learn more about our
surgeons and their training.
Our Four Sedation and Anesthesia Options
Every patient is different, and no single approach fits everyone. During your consultation, our surgeons review your medical history, the nature of your procedure, your anxiety level, and your personal preferences before recommending the right option for you. The
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons recognizes oral and maxillofacial surgeons as the specialty most extensively trained to administer all levels of anesthesia safely in an office setting.
Nitrous Oxide
Inhaled through a mask for mild relaxation. You remain fully conscious and can drive home right after. Best for shorter procedures or light anxiety.
Oral Conscious Sedation
A prescribed pill taken before your appointment. You feel deeply relaxed and often have little memory of the procedure. Requires a driver.
IV Sedation
Delivered through an IV for a sleep-like state with real-time depth adjustment. Most common for wisdom teeth and implants. Requires a driver.
General Anesthesia
Full unconsciousness for complex cases or severe anxiety. Administered by hospital-trained surgeons using OR-level monitoring protocols.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Sedation
You may benefit from sedation or anesthesia if you experience any of the following:
Dental Anxiety or Phobia
Moderate to severe anxiety that makes it difficult to get through appointments.
Strong Gag Reflex
A sensitive gag reflex that triggers during treatment and makes work difficult.
Sensory Sensitivity
Heightened sensitivity to dental sounds, smells, or the physical sensations of treatment.
Complex Procedure
A lengthy or multi-step surgery where comfort over an extended period is essential.
Past Trauma
A history of difficult or traumatic dental experiences that create anticipatory fear.
Difficulty Getting Numb
Local anesthesia alone doesn’t provide adequate comfort during procedures.
Not all sedation levels are appropriate for every patient or every procedure. Our surgeons will review your full medical history, current medications, allergies, and surgical history during a thorough pre-operative assessment before making any recommendation.
Ready for a Comfortable, Anxiety-Free Visit?
Dr. Jonathan R. Shadi and Dr. Saman Vahedi are here to help you choose the right sedation option and make your procedure as comfortable as possible.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Sedation
Preparation and recovery vary depending on which sedation level you choose. Here is how the process works:
1
Consultation
We review your medical history, medications, and anxiety level, then recommend the right sedation option for your procedure.
2
Day-of Prep
Fast for 8 hours (IV or general), arrange a driver, wear comfortable clothing, and skip contact lenses or nail polish on surgery day.
3
During Surgery
Our team continuously monitors your oxygen, blood pressure, heart rate, and airway. You are never left unattended under sedation.
4
Recovery
Nitrous wears off in minutes. For oral, IV, or general sedation, rest in our recovery area until stable, then your escort drives you home.
For complete preparation details, review our
before anesthesia instructions and
pre-operative instructions.
IV Sedation vs. General Anesthesia
Patients often ask how IV sedation and general anesthesia differ. Here is a side-by-side comparison to help clarify the key distinctions:
|
IV Sedation |
General Anesthesia |
| Level of consciousness |
Sleep-like; may respond to verbal cues |
Fully unconscious |
| Memory of procedure |
Little to none |
None |
| Depth adjustable during procedure |
Yes, in real time |
Yes, with higher medication levels |
| Typical use cases |
Wisdom teeth, implants, bone grafting |
Complex or lengthy surgery, severe anxiety |
| Fasting required |
8 hours minimum |
8 hours minimum |
| Driver required |
Yes |
Yes |
A Note on Provider Training and Safety
Not all sedation providers have the same level of training. Some dental offices offer IV sedation after a short continuing education course lasting only a weekend or a few days. Our surgeons, by contrast, completed full hospital residencies that included a mandatory rotation on the anesthesiology service, where they functioned as anesthesia residents under the direct supervision of attending anesthesiologists. We encourage every patient to ask their provider about their training background before accepting any sedation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation and Anesthesia
Will I be completely unconscious under IV sedation?
Not necessarily. IV sedation places you in a deeply relaxed, sleep-like state where most patients have little or no memory of the procedure, but it is not the same as full general anesthesia. You may be able to respond to verbal cues if needed. The depth of sedation can be adjusted in real time by our surgeons based on how your body responds during the procedure.
How do I know which sedation option is right for me?
The right sedation level depends on your anxiety level, your medical history, the complexity of your procedure, and your personal preferences. During your consultation, our surgeons will walk through each option with you and make a recommendation based on your individual situation. We never pressure patients into a particular level of sedation, and your comfort and safety always come first.
Can I eat or drink before my sedation appointment?
For IV sedation and general anesthesia, you must fast for at least eight hours before your procedure, including no food, water, gum, or mints. For nitrous oxide or oral sedation, your surgeon will give you specific instructions at your consultation, as guidelines can vary based on your individual circumstances.
Is sedation safe for anxious patients?
Yes. When administered by properly trained oral and maxillofacial surgeons in an appropriately equipped office, sedation is very safe and well-tolerated by the vast majority of patients. Our team uses continuous monitoring of your vital signs throughout every procedure. If you have a significant medical history, we may request medical clearance from your physician before proceeding.
Will I need someone to drive me home?
Yes, for oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, you must have a responsible adult with you who can drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day. We will not be able to perform the procedure if you arrive without an escort. For nitrous oxide only, most patients can drive themselves home once the effects have fully resolved.
What is the difference between IV sedation and general anesthesia?
IV sedation produces a deep, sleep-like relaxation where you may still respond to verbal prompts, while general anesthesia renders you completely unconscious and unaware. General anesthesia involves higher medication levels and more intensive monitoring and is typically reserved for more complex procedures or patients with particular medical or psychological needs. Your surgeon will discuss which is appropriate during your consultation.
Schedule Your Sedation Consultation in Los Angeles
There is no reason to let anxiety keep you from the oral surgery care you need. Dr. Jonathan R. Shadi and Dr. Saman Vahedi serve patients throughout the Los Angeles area, from West Hollywood to Santa Monica to Beverly Hills. We are located at 12300 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 326, Los Angeles, CA 90025. Call or text us at (310) 846-8978, or
request an appointment online to get started today.
