In One Visit.
Completely Comfortable.
Nervous About the Dentist? You're Not Alone.
Dental anxiety affects 1 in 4 adults. Many of our sedation patients haven't seen a dentist in years — some over a decade. They come to us embarrassed, unsure if they're even a candidate, and half-expecting to be judged. We don't judge. We've heard it all. Our job is simply to make this possible for you — comfortably, safely, and without shame. There is absolutely no reason to be embarrassed about dental anxiety. It's real, it's common, and it's exactly what sedation dentistry was designed for.
Not ready to call? Text us and we'll answer any questions — no pressure, no commitment.
What Does IV Sedation Feel Like?
The sedative works to put you in a semi-conscious state, so you are unaware and unable to remember the events happening around you — although you can still respond to your dentist's requests.
When the sedative takes effect, our patients generally feel extremely relaxed, similar to a dream-like state of mind. Following the procedure, most say they didn't even realize how much time had passed and that their appointment was already over.
You'll likely remember very little of the procedure — but you'll remember how comfortable and cared for you felt throughout.
Deep Relaxation
You'll feel profoundly calm and at ease — anxiety simply melts away as the sedative takes effect.
Dream-Like Twilight State
A comfortable twilight state of consciousness — aware enough to respond, relaxed enough to feel nothing.
Time Seems to Vanish
Most patients are surprised when it's over. Long procedures feel like just a few minutes.
Little to No Memory
IV sedation creates a partial amnesic effect — most patients remember little to nothing about the procedure.
Deep Relaxation. Real Dentistry. Zero Memory of It.
IV sedation — sometimes called 'twilight sedation' or 'sleep dentistry' — is a form of moderate-to-deep sedation administered intravenously. Unlike oral sedation (a pill you take before your visit) or nitrous oxide (laughing gas), IV sedation works quickly, can be precisely controlled throughout your procedure, and leaves most patients with little to no memory of their appointment.
All of our doctors are board certified and ACLS certified in IV sedation administration. Your sedation is administered and monitored by our team from start to finish — no separate anesthesiologist required, no hospital facility fees, and no coordinating between multiple providers. You come in, you relax, and when you wake up, your treatment is done.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Mild relaxation only. Wears off quickly. Limited effectiveness for complex procedures or severe anxiety.
Oral Sedation (Pill)
Moderate relaxation. Less precise. Cannot be adjusted once taken.
IV Sedation
Deep, controlled relaxation. Fast-acting. Titrated in real time. Ideal for complex procedures, severe anxiety, or getting multiple things done at once.
IV Sedation
IV sedation may be a good option if you:
When Is IV Sedation Recommended?
- Experience moderate to severe dental anxiety
- Have difficulty sitting through longer procedures
- Need multiple treatments completed efficiently
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Have avoided care due to fear
- Have avoided the dentist for years due to fear or shame
- Feel overwhelmed by how much work you think you need done
Not sure if sedation is right for you?
That's okay. The first step is simply a conversation.
Just One Team
Most patients who need multiple things done get sent in three different directions. A specialist for the extraction. An oral surgeon for the implant. Back to their general dentist for the fillings. Each appointment means separate consultations, separate costs, and separate recovery periods. At Woodside Dental Group, that stops here. We are general dentists with advanced specialty training — which means everything happens under one roof, under one sedation, in one visit:
Because we administer IV sedation in-house, we can complete what would otherwise require 3–4 specialist appointments in a single visit while you rest comfortably.
From a Single Extraction to a Complete Smile Transformation
You Can Feel Confident About
All of our services are available under IV sedation. We can combine procedures that would normally require multiple appointments into a single, comfortable visit." Display as cards. Keep the same card styling used elsewhere on the site. NO outbound links on any card — each card should have a CTA button that triggers the Podium widget or links to Book Online instead:
Dental Implants & All-on-4
IV sedation is ideal for implant surgery and full-arch All-on-4 cases. Patients who have avoided implants because of fear or complexity are often surprised by how manageable the experience is under sedation. We plan, place, and in many cases restore — all in one visit.
Text Us About ImplantsWisdom Teeth Extractions
Whether it's a simple extraction or a complex impacted case, IV sedation ensures a comfortable, anxiety-free experience. We can also address cavities and other restorative needs at the same appointment."
Text Us About ImplantsFull Restorative Dentistry
Fillings, crowns, bridges — years of deferred care can be addressed in a single sedation visit. For patients who have avoided the dentist due to anxiety, sedation allows us to accomplish in one appointment what might otherwise stretch across months.
Text Us About Restorative WorkPRF Therapy
PRF uses a small sample of your own blood to create a fibrin membrane rich in growth factors, applied during oral surgery or implant procedures to accelerate healing and reduce infection risk. It integrates naturally into your sedation visit at no extra recovery cost.
Text Us to Learn MoreDoes My Teen Need Wisdom Teeth Removed? Can We Do It All at Once?
This is one of the most common situations we see: a teenager who needs wisdom teeth removed and has restorative work that's been building up. Under IV sedation, we can often complete the extractions and all restorative work in a single appointment — significantly reducing time off school, parental logistics, and recovery periods.
We also accept Medicaid. Our team will walk through exactly what's covered before treatment begins. No surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about IV sedation at Woodside.
I haven't been to the dentist in years and I'm embarrassed about the state of my teeth. Will you judge me?
Absolutely not. This is honestly one of the most common things we hear — and the fact that you're here looking into sedation means you're already taking a brave step. We've seen everything. We've helped patients who avoided the dentist for 5, 10, even 20 years get back on track comfortably. We don't judge. We just want to help you get to where you want to be.
Is IV sedation safe?
Yes. IV sedation has an excellent safety record when administered by trained, certified clinicians. All of our doctors are board certified and ACLS certified, meaning they have completed rigorous training in IV sedation administration and emergency protocols. Your vital signs are monitored continuously throughout your entire procedure from start to finish.
Will I be completely unconscious?
No — IV sedation is not general anesthesia. You'll be in a deeply relaxed, twilight-like state. You can still respond to our team, but most patients remember little to nothing about the procedure afterward.
How long does the sedation last?
The sedative effects typically wear off within a few hours after your procedure. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the remainder of the day.
What procedures can be done under IV sedation?
IV sedation can be used for a wide range of dental treatments — from routine cleanings for highly anxious patients to complex restorations, extractions, implants, and more. During your consultation, we'll help determine what's appropriate for your situation.
How do I prepare for IV sedation?
You'll receive personalized instructions at your consultation. Generally, you'll need to fast for several hours before your appointment and arrange for a driver. We'll walk you through everything in advance so there are no surprises.
Does insurance cover IV sedation?
Coverage varies by plan. Our team will review your insurance benefits with you and discuss all available financing options so cost doesn't stand in the way of your care.
Ready to Get It All Done — Comfortably?
Schedule a sedation consultation at Woodside Dental Group. We'll review your treatment needs, answer every question, and build a plan that gets you where you want to be — in one visit, without the anxiety.
2900 Boniface Pkwy Ste 100, Anchorage, AK 99504
