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IV Sedation Dentistry in Londonderry & Salem, NH
Relax Through Your Procedure with Safe, Monitored IV Sedation
If the thought of oral surgery makes you anxious—or if you're undergoing a complex or lengthy procedure—IV sedation offers a safe, controlled way to feel calm and relaxed throughout your treatment. At Curtin Oral Surgery & Associates, we provide in-office IV sedation for patients who want a deeper level of comfort without the need for hospital-based general anesthesia.
With two convenient locations in Londonderry and Salem, we serve patients throughout Southern New Hampshire and the Merrimack Valley, including Derry, Windham, Pelham, and Methuen, MA. Whether you're having wisdom teeth removed, undergoing dental implant surgery, or needing multiple tooth extractions, our team ensures your experience is stress-free and safe from start to finish.
What Is IV Sedation?
IV sedation (also known as intravenous sedation or twilight sedation) is administered through a small IV line in your arm. It works quickly and can be adjusted throughout the procedure to keep you deeply relaxed and unaware of your surroundings, though you'll still be able to respond to verbal cues.
Unlike general anesthesia, IV sedation:
- Allows you to breathe on your own
- Offers quicker recovery and fewer side effects
- Keeps you conscious but in a calm, dream-like state
- Often results in little or no memory of the procedure
Who Is IV Sedation Best For?
IV sedation is ideal for patients who:
- Experience moderate to severe dental anxiety
- Are undergoing surgical procedures such as wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, or tooth extractions
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Need multiple treatments in one visit
- Want a deeper level of relaxation than oral sedation can provide
Dr. Curtin will perform a thorough medical review to determine if IV sedation is appropriate for you.
Administered by a Trained Oral Surgeon in a Safe Setting
As a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Jared Curtin, DDS, is extensively trained in anesthesia and sedation protocols, including IV sedation. Your vital signs—such as heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure—are monitored continuously throughout your procedure by a trained surgical team.
IV sedation is available at both our Londonderry office and Salem location, where we maintain the same safety standards found in hospital-based environments, but in the comfort and privacy of our surgical suites.
What to Expect with IV Sedation
- Pre-Sedation Evaluation — You'll meet with Dr. Curtin to review your health history, medications, and sedation eligibility. Pre-op instructions will be provided.
- Day of Procedure — You'll need a responsible adult to accompany you to and from the appointment. The IV line will be started once you're comfortably seated.
- During the Procedure — You'll enter a deep, relaxed state and remain unaware of discomfort. Your vital signs are continuously monitored.
- After the Procedure — Most patients have little to no memory of the procedure and feel groggy afterward. Recovery time varies, but you'll rest in-office before heading home with your escort.
FAQs
Is IV sedation the same as general anesthesia?
No. IV sedation allows you to remain conscious and breathing independently. General anesthesia renders you fully unconscious and is typically reserved for hospital settings or complex medical cases.
Will I feel anything during the procedure?
Most patients report feeling nothing at all and remember very little. You'll be in a relaxed, semi-conscious state with no awareness of time or discomfort.
Is IV sedation safe?
Yes. IV sedation is extremely safe when administered by a trained oral surgeon like Dr. Curtin. We continuously monitor vital signs and use strict protocols to ensure patient safety.
Can I eat before the appointment?
No. You'll be instructed to fast (no food or drink) for at least 6–8 hours before the procedure. Clear pre-op guidelines will be provided during your consultation.
How long will it take to recover?
Most patients feel back to normal by the following day, though drowsiness may last a few hours. You'll need someone to drive you home and stay with you until the sedation fully wears off.
Act fast. Gently rinse the tooth (avoid scrubbing), place it in milk or saline, and contact our office immediately. Quick reimplantation can sometimes save the tooth.
Compassionate Sedation Dentistry for a Stress-Free Experience
At Curtin Oral Surgery & Associates, we believe that fear or anxiety should never stand in the way of receiving essential oral surgery. Whether you're in Londonderry or Salem, our IV sedation options help make complex procedures more comfortable—so you can focus on healing with peace of mind.
