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IV sedation · Raleigh & Wake Forest

IV Sedation Dentistry in Raleigh & Wake Forest, NC

Deep relaxation for severe dental anxiety and complex treatment.

IV sedation is our deepest level of comfort care, delivering sedative medication through a small line in the arm for a calm, drowsy, deeply relaxed experience. It suits patients with significant dental anxiety or a lot of treatment to complete in one visit. You are monitored throughout, and a responsible adult will need to drive you home.

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Patient resting comfortably during IV sedation dentistry at Village Dental in Raleigh, NC
How it works

What is IV sedation?

IV (intravenous) sedation delivers sedative medication directly into the bloodstream through a small line, usually in the arm or hand. Because it works quickly and can be adjusted during treatment, it produces a deeper, steadier level of relaxation than a pill or laughing gas.

Most patients feel deeply calm and remember little of the appointment afterward, even though they are not under general anesthesia. Your comfort and vital signs are monitored throughout the visit.

IV sedation is especially useful when a patient has severe dental anxiety, a very strong gag reflex, difficulty getting numb, or needs several procedures completed in one longer appointment rather than spread across many visits.

What to expect

Before, during & after

BeforeWe review your medical history, current medications, and any past reactions to sedation or anesthesia, give you fasting and preparation instructions, and confirm that a responsible adult will drive you home.
DuringA small IV delivers the sedative, you settle into deep relaxation, and you are monitored the entire time. Many patients remember little of the visit afterward.
AfterYou will feel drowsy for the rest of the day. Your driver takes you home, you rest, and we review activity, eating, and any follow-up instructions before you leave.
Is it right for you?

Who this option suits

Often a good fit if…

  • You have severe or long-standing dental anxiety
  • You need extensive treatment completed in fewer visits
  • You have a strong gag reflex or trouble getting numb
  • Previous dental visits have been traumatic

Tell us first if…

  • You are pregnant or may be pregnant
  • You take regular medications or have heart or breathing conditions
  • You have had a reaction to sedation or anesthesia before
  • You cannot arrange a driver for the day of treatment
Village Dental team member monitoring a patient during IV sedation in Raleigh, NC
Your comfort and vital signs are monitored throughout IV sedation.
Where to get it

Available at all four Triangle offices

Every Village Dental office — Olde Raleigh, North Raleigh, Brier Creek, and Wake Forest — offers IV sedation. Find the office nearest you →

Other options

Not sure this is the one?

Laughing gasLight, fast relaxation for mild nervesLearn more →Oral (pill) sedationA calming pill for moderate anxietyLearn more →All sedation optionsCompare all three side by sideBack to overview →
Good to know

Frequently asked

Is IV sedation the same as general anesthesia?
No. IV sedation and general anesthesia are different. IV sedation produces deep relaxation while your body keeps its own protective reflexes; it is not the same as being fully unconscious under general anesthesia. Your provider sets the intended depth based on your health and treatment.
Will I be unconscious during IV sedation?
Not in the way you would be under general anesthesia. Most patients are deeply relaxed and remember little of the visit, but IV sedation is a lighter, monitored state than general anesthesia.
Do I need a driver after IV sedation?
Yes. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you while the effects wear off.
How long does recovery take?
You will feel drowsy for the rest of the day and should plan to rest. We give you specific recovery instructions, and most patients feel back to normal by the next day.
Is IV sedation safe?
IV sedation is generally safe for appropriate candidates when chosen after a medical-history review and monitored throughout by trained professionals. Every method has potential risks, which is why we review your health, medications, and history first.
Which offices offer IV sedation?
All four Village Dental offices — Olde Raleigh, North Raleigh, Brier Creek, and Wake Forest — offer IV sedation.
Does insurance cover IV sedation?
Coverage varies by plan, procedure, and medical necessity. We can review your benefits and give you an estimate before treatment.

Ready to talk through IV sedation?

If dental anxiety has kept you away, IV sedation can make the care you need feel manageable. Reach the office nearest you and we will walk you through it.

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New patients welcome · most insurance accepted · four Triangle locations