IV Sedation vs. Oral Conscious Sedation: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between IV sedation and oral conscious sedation can feel overwhelming, especially for patients with dental anxiety. This guide explains how each option works, what to expect, and how Dr. Kareena Kevork helps patients choose the safest, most comfortable approach for their dental care.
For many patients, the hardest part of dental treatment isn’t the procedure itself, it’s the anxiety leading up to it. Sedation can make all the difference, but one of the most common questions is: Should I choose IV sedation or oral conscious sedation? Both are safe and effective, but they work in different ways.
What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral sedation involves taking a pill before the appointment. For our younger patients, it might be medication in a liquid format that they will drink in the office. It helps patients feel calm and relaxed, but they remain awake. Some remember parts of the procedure, while others recall very little. Most describe feeling drowsy yet comfortable. Because the medication can linger, patients need someone to drive them home and stay with them, and grogginess may last for the rest of the day. Oral sedation is often a good choice for patients with mild to moderate anxiety or for shorter, less complex procedures.
How IV Sedation Works
IV sedation, by contrast, is given through a small needle in the arm or hand. It works within minutes and allows Dr. Kevork to adjust the depth of sedation throughout the procedure. Many patients feel as if they’re asleep the whole time, even though they remain technically conscious. Most have little or no memory afterward. Patients are monitored continuously, and like with oral sedation, a ride home and rest afterward are required. IV sedation is often recommended for patients with significant anxiety, longer appointments, or complex dental work.
Choosing the Right Sedation Option
Patients don’t have to make this decision alone. During each consultation, Dr. Kevork reviews health history, procedure details, and comfort levels to help determine the safest and most effective option. Her role is to ensure patients are both comfortable and safe at every step.
Sedation for dental work isn’t just for complicated procedures; it’s for anyone seeking a calmer, easier dental experience. For those unsure which option is right, Dr. Kevork and her team provide guidance so patients can feel safe, prepared, and completely at ease before their visit. To schedule a consultation, email us at: admin@westcoastsedation.com
A Quick Hello!
Hi everyone! I’m Dr. Kareena Kevork — your board-certified dentist anesthesiologist 🦷💉🫁👩🏻⚕️
I’m based in Los Angeles, CA and started my journey at UCLA’s School of Dentistry (go Bruins!). After dental school, I moved across the country for my specialty anesthesia training at NYU Langone Hospital- a Level 1 Trauma Center in Brooklyn, NY.
Now, I’m passionate about helping patients achieve optimal oral health by providing safe, compassionate anesthesia care. I work with amazing dentists to bring hospital-level anesthesia directly into the dental office — because everyone deserves stress-free visits and pain-free smiles.
Whether you’re a child, have special healthcare needs, or experience dental anxiety (you’re not alone!), I’m here to make your experience comfortable and fear-free.
I’m excited to share more about what I do, answer your questions, and even bust a few anesthesia myths along the way. 🕵🏻♀️
📍 LA-Based | In-office Anesthesia
🦷 Pediatric • Special Healthcare Needs • Anxious Patients
💬 Let’s connect! Drop a comment or DM anytime!
#DentistAnesthesiologist #UCLADentist #NYULangone #LAHealthcare #DentalAnxietyHelp #SpecialNeedsDentistry #AnesthesiaCare #sedationdentistry