Dental IV Sedation in High Point, NC

At High Point Smile Dentistry, located in the heart of High Point, NC, we take pride in offering a welcoming and relaxing environment for all your dental needs. Our practice is renowned for its expertise in dentistry IV sedation, a service designed to make your dental experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Discover Comfort and Care at High Point Smile Dentistry

Our dedicated team understands that dental visits can be daunting for many. That's why we offer dental IV sedation, providing a soothing experience that helps you feel at ease during your procedures. This method is ideal for patients with dental anxiety or those undergoing complex treatments, ensuring you remain relaxed and calm throughout the process.

What Is Dental IV Sedation and How Does It Work?

Dental IV sedation delivers sedative medication directly into your bloodstream through a small IV line, producing deep relaxation within minutes. Unlike general anesthesia, you remain conscious and able to respond to simple instructions, but you will likely have little to no memory of the appointment once it is over. IV sedation also allows our dentists to work efficiently, which can reduce the number of visits needed to finish complex care.

A dental professional inspecting a tooth for a root canal.

How Does Dental IV Sedation Compare to Other Sedation Options?

High Point Smile Dentistry offers three tiers of sedation so every patient can find a comfort level that fits.


Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): A mild inhaled sedative that eases anxiety during shorter or routine procedures. It wears off within minutes and most patients can drive themselves home.

Oral Sedation: A pill taken before your appointment that produces a moderate level of calm. You stay awake but feel noticeably relaxed. A responsible adult must drive you home afterward.

IV Sedation: The deepest level of sedation available at our office. Medication is delivered intravenously for fast onset and precise control. Your heart rate, breathing, and oxygen levels are monitored continuously throughout your appointment. This option is ideal for patients with significant dental anxiety, complex or lengthy procedures, a strong gag reflex, or difficulty getting numb with local anesthesia alone. Because dentistry IV sedation is rarely offered in a general dental office, many patients travel from Archdale, Trinity, Jamestown, and Greensboro to see us.

Who Is a Good Candidate for IV Sedation?

Most reasonably healthy adults are good candidates for dental IV sedation. You may benefit if you:


  • Have avoided the dentist for years due to fear or past trauma
  • Need multiple extractions, implants, or extensive restorative work in a single visit
  • Have a sensitive gag reflex that makes treatment difficult
  • Find that local anesthesia alone does not provide enough comfort
  • Have special needs that make staying still during treatment challenging



Our team reviews your full medical history before recommending IV sedation, and a pre-operative visit is standard to confirm candidacy.

Is IV Sedation Safe at a General Dental Office?

Dental IV sedation carries very little risk when it is administered by properly trained, board-authorized providers. Drs. Kwon, Garretson, and Morrow are among the 1.5% of general dentists in North Carolina authorized by the State Dental Board to administer IV sedation. Throughout your appointment, a continuous monitor tracks your heart rate, breathing rate, and oxygen saturation. After treatment, our team provides any necessary prescriptions for post-procedure comfort before you leave in the care of a responsible adult. Call us today at (336) 884-4000 or visit High Point Smile Dentistry to request your consultation.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Your Appointment

  1. Pre-operative visit: We check your vital signs, review your health history, and confirm your sedation plan.
  2. Day of your appointment: Wear comfortable clothing and avoid caffeine. Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from the office.
  3. During your procedure: The IV line is placed and medication is administered. You will feel relaxed within minutes while monitoring equipment tracks your vitals.
  4. After your appointment: You will be escorted to your ride home. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day and avoid driving or alcohol for at least 24 hours.
  5. Recovery: Most patients feel back to normal within 24 hours. Post-procedure discomfort can be managed with the prescription our team provides at discharge.


Important: You must have a responsible adult drive you home. No exceptions can be made, as the sedative continues to impair judgment and reflexes after you leave.

A dental professional inspecting a tooth for a root canal.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Dental IV Sedation Mean I Will Be Unconscious?

    No. You remain conscious and relaxed but will likely have little to no memory of the procedure.

  • What Procedures Can Be Done With IV Sedation?

    Most procedures qualify, including extractions, implants, and root canals. Learn more on our implants and IV sedation page.

  • Do I Need a Referral?

    No referral is needed. Contact our office directly to schedule a consultation and determine whether IV sedation is right for you.

  • How Is IV Sedation Different From Oral Sedation?

    IV sedation works faster and allows precise mid-procedure adjustments, making it better suited for longer or more complex treatment.

  • Is a Designated Driver Required?

    Yes. A responsible adult must drive you home and stay with you, as effects can linger for several hours.

Contact us today to learn more about our dental IV sedation options and schedule your appointment. Let us help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile while ensuring your comfort and peace of mind every step of the way. Together, we can make your dental visits something to look forward to.