Sedation dentistry · London, Ontario

IV Sedation and General Anesthesia, Explained

For patients who need more than a local anesthetic can offer, Dr. Sherghin provides two deeper sedation options: IV sedation and general anesthesia. Here’s how each one feels, works, and fits your treatment plan.

ModerateIV Sedation

DeepGeneral Anesthesia

Both options sit at the deeper end of the sedation spectrum — Dr. Sherghin helps determine which is the right fit for your procedure and comfort level.

Level 1Moderate

IV Sedation

Precision Calm, Delivered Directly

Medication is delivered through a small IV line, giving Dr. Sherghin the ability to adjust your level of sedation in real time throughout the procedure. Most patients have no memory of the appointment at all, and complex or lengthy treatment feels like it passes in moments.

Onset

Under 1 minute

Recovery

Rest of the day

Awareness

Little to no memory

Can you drive after?

No – escort required

Best for: mild anxiety, significant anxiety or dental phobia, extensive or multi-visit treatment plans, complex oral surgery.

General Anesthesia

Fully Asleep, Fully Cared For

Reserved for the most extensive cases, general anesthesia brings you to a completely unconscious state while a dedicated anesthesia team monitors you throughout. It’s often the right choice for patients with special needs, severe phobia, or treatment that would otherwise require multiple long visits.

Onset

Immediate, monitored

Recovery

Full day, escort required

Awareness

Fully unconscious

Can you drive after?

No – escort required

Best for: moderate extensive full-mouth reconstruction, special needs patients, severe dental phobia.

A team of doctors and hygienists performing sedation dentistry on a patient.

Level 2Deep

Safety

Is General anesthesia safe?

Learn more about General Anesthesia from our Respiratory Therapist and Anesthesia Coordinator.

At a Glance

Compare Both Sedation Dentistry Options

A quick side-by-side to help you talk through what fits best with Dr. Sherghin at your consultation.

	IV Sedation	General Anesthesia
Depth	Moderate–Deep	Deep
Delivery	IV line	IV / monitored
Onset	Under 1 minute	Immediate
Memory of visit	Little to none	None
Escort needed?	Yes	Yes

Not Sure Which Is Right for You?

IV Sedation and General Anesthesia, Explained

Precision Calm, Delivered Directly

Fully Asleep, Fully Cared For

Is General anesthesia safe?

Compare Both Sedation Dentistry Options

Experience stress-free dentistry

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