- When Is Sedation Offered?
- How Does Sedation Work?
- What Are the Benefits of Sedation during Treatment?
- Sedation Dentistry Reviews
- Am I a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
- What To Expect After Sedation Dentistry
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Insurance Cover Sedation Dentistry?
- Ease Your Worries With Sedation
- Get In Touch
- Related Procedures
- Related Posts
When Is Sedation Offered?
Many of our Germantown, Arlington, and Memphis, TN patients may have anxiety during their oral surgery procedure. We understand and aim to allow each patient to be comfortable while receiving care at our practice. In conjunction with having a gentle approach to care, we are thrilled to offer general anesthesia, oral sedation, and IV sedation options. These sedation options may help elevate your ease, decrease fears, and create pleasant experiences for our Memphis, TN patients. When you are worried about dental procedures, we encourage you to visit Drs. Sexton and Weiskopf at Sexton & Weiskopf Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery to figure out how sedation dentistry can allow you to acquire the care you need while also feeling relaxed.
How Does Sedation Work?
How we perform sedation services at Sexton Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery will be different based on your level of worry, the service itself, and, finally, the type of sedation being selected.
- General Anesthesia: General anesthesia works by temporarily blocking the brain's ability to perceive pain and form memories, ensuring that patients remain unconscious and unaware during surgical procedures. It involves administering a combination of medications that affect the entire body, leading to a deep state of sleep and complete muscle relaxation.
- IV Sedation: IV sedation works by delivering sedative drugs directly into the bloodstream, which induces a state of deep relaxation and calmness during dental or medical procedures. While under IV sedation, patients remain conscious but are typically drowsy and may have little to no memory of the procedure.
- Oral Sedation: Oral sedation involves taking a sedative pill before a procedure, which helps patients feel relaxed and at ease. The medication usually makes patients drowsy, allowing them to stay awake but less aware of the procedure, with minimal memory of the experience.
What Are the Benefits of Sedation during Treatment?
Sedation provides assorted benefits that can considerably improve the overall dental care experience for patients. Some benefits include:
- Allows for multiple treatments in one appointment
- Inspires more frequent dental appointments for standard treatment
- Minimizes gag reflex over the course of the appointment
- Assists with care for patients who have special needs
- Lessens the discomfort of dental procedures
- Minimizes dental uneasiness
- Facilitates patient cooperation and placement
- Offers a feeling of time passing briskly
- Minimizes memory of the treatment for individuals with dental trauma
Sedation Dentistry Reviews
Dr. Weiskopf and his staff were kind, gentle, efficient, and communicative while I was in their care. I had a necessary tooth extraction yesterday at their office and I’ve been comfortable at home ever since. They were able to remove a back molar without over-stressing my jaw. They also took into consideration my severe sleep apnea when choosing the right level of anesthesia for me, and I received anti-nausea medication to help me tolerate my pain medicine as requested. I feel like they heard and took into consideration my needs as an individual patient and not just another body in the chair. I recommend using this professional team.
Dr. Weiskopf was highly recommend by my sons orthodontist. I was very nervous about my son’s surgery due to him having to receive anesthesia but after reading all the positive reviews I felt a little at ease. The checkin was easy and quick and the surgery well. Dr. Weiskopf was the sweetest and the staff were very nice and helpful. He followed up with us by phone later on that evening as he promised after the surgery. I can tell he’s dedicated and love his patients and what he do. I was highly satisfied.
I had two wisdom teeth surgically removed on Thursday, January 22, 2026, by Dr. Mathew Russ at Sexton and Weiskopf Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, and I honestly cannot say enough good things about my experience.From start to finish, the staff was kind, calming, and professional. I was very nervous going in, but the sedation and anxiety care were excellent — I felt relaxed, safe, and completely at ease the entire time.What truly touched my heart was how Dr. Russ went above and beyond. After my surgery, he personally walked out to my husband’s truck to explain everything, answer his questions, and make sure he felt comfortable. On top of that, Dr. Russ personally called to check on me later that day and again the next day to make sure I was doing well. That level of care is rare.My recovery has been smooth with minimal pain and swelling, which really speaks to his skill and precision.If you need an oral surgeon and you’re feeling anxious or unsure, I highly recommend Dr. Mathew Russ and the team at Sexton and Weiskopf. You will be treated with compassion, respect, and exceptional care. I am truly grateful for such an amazing experience 🙏💎
The whole staff was amazing and informative. I went for wisdom teeth removal, and although I was under anesthesia it was quick. This is the second day post-op and I have experienced no pain at all. I sound highly recommend.
Had to have a tooth extracted and I was dreading it- I have a lot of dental anxiety. Dr. Weiskopf was very patient and thorough in explaining my options. The office staff was all kind and professional. I appreciated all of the clear communication that I received from the office leading up to my appointment. On the day of the surgery, I was taken back right on time, given nitrous oxide to calm my nerves, given twilight sedation for the procedure itself, and next thing I knew I was getting in the car and riding home. It was the single easiest dental or medical procedure I’ve ever experienced, and there has been no discomfort, pain, or swelling following the surgery. Dr. Weiskopf called me personally the night following the procedure to check in and gave me his cell number in case I had any issues over the weekend. I cannot recommend this practice enough and will definitely be back if I’m ever in need of oral surgery again.
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Total Reviews
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Average Rating
Am I a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
You may be a candidate for sedation dentistry if you experience dental anxiety, have a strong gag reflex, require multiple procedures in one visit, or find it difficult to sit comfortably for extended periods. Sedation can help you feel more relaxed and at ease during treatment, ensuring a smoother experience. However, certain medical conditions, medications, or allergies may affect your eligibility for sedation, especially for general anesthesia or IV sedation. During your consultation, our caring and knowledgeable dental specialists will review your health history, discuss your concerns, and determine which type of dental sedation option is safe and appropriate to help you receive the dental care you need comfortably.
What To Expect After Sedation Dentistry
After sedation dentistry, the effects of the sedative will gradually wear off. You may feel a bit groggy or disoriented immediately following the procedure, and it's important to have a responsible adult accompany you home, as you won't be able to drive. Depending on the type of sedation involved, you might experience some lingering drowsiness, mild nausea, or dry mouth. Patients should follow all post-operative instructions provided by our team, which may include guidelines on eating, drinking, and pain management. We encourage you to rest and avoid strenuous activities for the remainder of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sedation dentistry a safe option?
Yes, sedation dentistry is generally safe when performed by experienced professionals, like those at Sexton & Weiskopf Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. At our practice, we ensure children and adults are carefully monitored throughout the process to maintain safety and comfort.
Does insurance cover sedation dentistry?
Insurance coverage for sedation dentistry depends on your individual plan and provider. Before your appointment, a member of our team will verify your benefits and provide an estimate of any out-of-pocket costs. We aim to make your experience stress-free by offering flexible payment options to help you get the care you need.
Will I experience pain with sedation dentistry?
Most patients feel little to no discomfort during procedures with sedation dentistry. The combination of deep relaxation from sedation and the use of a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area ensures that pain is effectively minimized or completely avoided.
Will I be monitored during my procedure with sedation?
Yes, your safety is our top priority at Sexton & Weiskopf Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Throughout your entire procedure, our highly trained team will continuously monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. We use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure you are safe and comfortable from start to finish.
How long do the effects of sedation dentistry last?
The duration of the effects varies depending on the type of sedation used. Oral sedation effects can last for several hours, while IV sedation may wear off more quickly but still requires a recovery period. Drs. Sexton and Weiskopf will advise you on what to expect and ensure you have a designated driver for your trip home.
How do I prepare for my sedation dentistry appointment?
Preparation is key to a safe and successful experience. Our team in Germantown, Arlington, and Memphis, TN, will provide you with a detailed list of pre-operative instructions, including fasting guidelines and medication adjustments. Following these directions carefully will help ensure your procedure goes smoothly.
Does Insurance Cover Sedation Dentistry?
Many dental insurance plans cover sedation dentistry, especially for surgical procedures. However, the extent of coverage can vary depending on your specific plan and the type of sedation used. Our team will work with you to review your insurance benefits and provide a clear estimate of any out-of-pocket costs. We believe that financial concerns should not prevent you from receiving the care you need, and we are here to help you navigate your options.
Ease Your Worries With Sedation
At Sexton Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Memphis, TN, Drs. Sexton and Weiskopf offer several sedation dentistry options to help you relax during your procedure. Whether you need IV sedation or oral sedation, our team is here to ensure your experience is as smooth as possible. Contact us in Memphis, TN today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a more comfortable dental experience.