What is IV sedation and how is it different from general anesthesia?

IV sedation, also called twilight sleep, sends calm-down medicine through a small IV line. You feel deeply relaxed but can still breathe on your own. General anesthesia puts you all the way to sleep. It needs a special doctor in a hospital. IV sedation is safe for most oral surgery. We do it in our office.

Will I be asleep during IV sedation?

Most patients drift in and out of light sleep. They have little or no memory of the surgery. You can still answer if asked. You will feel deeply calm. The time goes by very fast.

Yes. IV sedation is very safe when trained doctors give it. All three of our surgeons are board-certified. They are also ACLS-certified. We watch your vital signs the entire time.

What do I need to do to prepare for IV sedation?

Do not eat or drink for at least 8 hours before your visit. That includes water. Wear loose, soft clothes. Take nail polish off one finger so we can read oxygen levels. Bring an adult to drive you home. They should stay with you for a few hours after.

How long does it take to wake up from IV sedation?

Most patients are awake enough to leave in 30 to 60 minutes. The medicine still lingers for a few hours. Do not drive, use tools, or make big choices that day. Most people feel back to normal the next morning.

Who should not have IV sedation?

IV sedation is not for everyone. We avoid it in patients with bad untreated heart or lung disease. We also avoid it in some nerve disorders. Patients with sleep apnea need a clearance first. Pregnant patients usually wait. Your surgeon reviews your full health history at the visit.

Is IV sedation in an oral surgery office as safe as a hospital?

Yes, for healthy adults having routine oral surgery. The AAOMS office model has a serious-event rate well below 1 in 365,000 cases (AAOMS, 2023). All OSOI surgeons are ACLS-certified. The state inspects our anesthesia permits. We watch your vital signs the whole time.

Will I remember anything from IV sedation?

Most patients have little or no memory of the surgery. A few recall being asked to open or turn their head. Few recall any details. The medicine is meant to do this. It is why people often say it feels like time skipped.

Sleep Through Your Procedure · IV Sedation Oral Surgery Indianapolis

Will I Be Asleep for My Oral Surgery?

Name: Oral Surgeons of Indiana
Address: 8240 Naab Road, Suite 355, Indianapolis, IN, 46260, US
Telephone: (317) 876-1095
Price range: $$$

Experience anxiety-free oral surgery with IV sedation in Indianapolis. Our certified surgeons ensure a safe, comfortable experience. Oral Surgeons of Indiana.

Call (317) 876-1095 Schedule Consultation

Key Facts

<1 in 365,000
rate of serious adverse events for office-based OMS anesthesia.
— AAOMS, 2023
100%
of OSOI surgeons are ACLS-certified and licensed by the state to administer in-office IV anesthesia.
— OSOI internal data, 2025
30–60 min
typical in-office recovery time after sedation ends.
— OSOI internal data, 2025
8 hours
minimum NPO (no food or drink) period required before sedation.
— AAOMS / ASA, 2023
≈75%
of OSOI wisdom-teeth patients choose IV sedation over local-only anesthesia.
— OSOI internal data, 2025

Who Needs This Procedure

IV sedation is appropriate for most healthy outpatients having wisdom teeth removal, dental implant placement, bone grafting, or other oral surgery — and for any patient with significant dental anxiety. Patients with severe medical comorbidities may be referred for hospital-based general anesthesia.

What Happens During the Procedure

Pre-sedation review
10 min
Your surgeon reviews your medical history, medications, and NPO status, then confirms that a responsible adult driver is present.
Vital-sign monitoring set-up
5 min
Continuous pulse oximetry, blood pressure, and ECG monitoring is started before any medication is given.
IV access and induction
5–10 min
A small IV is started in the arm or hand. Sedative medications are titrated by the surgeon until you reach a comfortable twilight state.
Surgery
Varies by procedure
Your surgeon performs the procedure while a trained team member monitors anesthesia and vitals continuously.
Recovery and discharge
30–60 min
You rest in a private recovery area until you are alert. Discharge instructions are reviewed with you and your driver.

Recovery Timeline

First 4 hours

Drowsiness and unsteadiness. Stay with a responsible adult. Sip clear liquids; advance to soft foods as tolerated.

Watch for: Persistent dizziness, vomiting, or trouble breathing.

Same day

Do not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions. Rest at home.

Next morning

Most patients feel completely back to baseline mental clarity. Resume normal activities other than those restricted by your specific surgery.

Risks and Complications

Reported rare risks include nausea (5–10%), prolonged drowsiness (2%), bruising at the IV site (1–3%), and very rare cardiopulmonary events (well below 1 in 365,000) — AAOMS, 2023. Continuous monitoring and a trained anesthesia assistant are present for every case.

How OSOI Does This Differently

At OSOI, the same board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon plans your case, performs the surgery, and personally administers and monitors your IV anesthesia — supported by an ACLS-trained team. We do not use a separate anesthesiologist for routine cases, which simplifies scheduling and keeps cost down without compromising safety.

Anesthesia options at OSOI
	Local only	Nitrous oxide + local	IV sedation	General anesthesia (hospital)
Awareness	Fully awake	Awake, relaxed	Drowsy / no memory	Fully unconscious
Setting	Office	Office	Office	Hospital OR
Provider	Surgeon	Surgeon	Surgeon (ACLS)	Anesthesiologist
Driver required	No	Recommended	Required	Required
Recovery in facility	~10 min	15–20 min	30–60 min	1–2 hours
Best for	Simple cases	Mild anxiety	Most surgeries, anxiety, complex cases	Severe medical complexity

Cost and Insurance

IV sedation is typically billed in 15-minute increments and runs $300–$600 per case in Indianapolis. Many medical and dental plans cover sedation when it is medically necessary (e.g., for impacted third molars). We verify benefits in advance and provide a written estimate. Financing is available through CareCredit, Cherry, and Sunbit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Procedures

See also our cost and financing guide and IV sedation options.