IV Sedation Dentist in Virginia Beach, VA

IV Sedation Dentist in Virginia Beach, VA

At Advanced Sedation Dentistry in Virginia Beach, Dr. Kathy Delva personally administers and monitors IV sedation for patients with dental anxiety and for complex treatment such as implants, extractions, and full-mouth care.  

For patients who need to be fully asleep, we also offer general anesthesia on scheduled days with Dr. Len Futerman, a dentist anesthesiologist.

Sedation has been the core of this practice since 2009. It isn't an add-on to a general practice. If fear, a strong gag reflex, or a long treatment plan has kept you away from the dentist, IV sedation can let you complete more of your care in fewer, calmer visits.

What Is IV Sedation?

IV sedation, sometimes called "twilight sedation," delivers calming medication through a small IV line in your hand or arm. Because it works through the bloodstream, it takes effect within minutes. Dr. Delva gives it in small increments and adjusts it throughout your appointment based on how you're responding.

With IV moderate sedation, you breathe on your own and can respond to voice or light touch, but you're deeply relaxed. Most patients remember little or nothing of the procedure afterward. Local anesthetic is still used to numb the treatment area.

IV Sedation vs. General Anesthesia: What's the Difference?

These are two different levels of care, with different providers and different monitoring. The main difference is consciousness. With IV moderate sedation you are relaxed but responsive. With general anesthesia you are fully asleep, and a dentist anesthesiologist manages your breathing and vital signs for the whole procedure.

At your consultation, Dr. Delva will recommend the level that fits your health history, anxiety level, and treatment plan. If general anesthesia is the better fit, your care will be scheduled on one of Dr. Futerman's general anesthesia days at our Virginia Beach office.

Who Is a Good Candidate for IV Sedation?

IV sedation is often a good fit if you:

1. Have moderate to severe dental anxiety, or a past experience that has kept you from care

2. Have a strong gag reflex that makes routine treatment difficult

3. Have trouble getting numb with local anesthetic alone

4. Need several procedures and would rather do them in one longer visit

5. Are traveling from outside Hampton Roads and want to complete treatment in fewer trips

Candidacy isn't automatic. Dr. Delva reviews your full medical history, current medications, and any past reactions to sedation or anesthesia before recommending a plan.  

Some heart, lung, or airway conditions, as well as certain medications, may require clearance from your physician or a different approach, such as general anesthesia with Dr. Futerman. We’ll have this conversation well before your treatment day.

Treatments Commonly Done Under IV Sedation

6. Dental implants, including guided implant placement

7. Tooth extractions, including wisdom teeth

8. Full-mouth reconstruction and multiple restorations in one visit

9. Treatment for patients who have avoided care for years and need a complete reset

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How We Keep IV Sedation Safe

Every sedation plan starts with a medical review and ends with a monitored recovery. During your procedure:

10. Dr. Delva is present and monitoring you for the entire procedure, supported by a trained sedation assistant  

11. Your blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen level, and breathing (capnography) are monitored continuously  

12. Emergency equipment and medications are kept in the treatment room

Our team runs scenario-based emergency drills, and staff maintain Basic Life Support certification, with advanced certifications held by Dr. Delva and Dr. Futerman

Dr. Delva holds a Virginia Board of Dentistry IV moderate conscious sedation permit for this office. General anesthesia is provided only by Dr. Futerman under his own anesthesia permit.

What to Expect Before, During, and After

Before your appointment

At your consultation, we review your medical history, medications, and goals. If IV sedation is recommended, you'll get written instructions.  

These usually include not eating or drinking for a set number of hours beforehand, guidance on your regular medications, and arranging an adult to drive you home and stay with you. Don't stop any prescribed medication unless we've told you to. Wear comfortable clothing with sleeves that roll up easily.

During your procedure

A small IV is placed in your hand or arm, and medication is given gradually until you're relaxed. Once you're comfortable, the treatment area is numbed and treatment begins. Dr. Delva adjusts your sedation throughout. Many patients say the appointment felt much shorter than it was.

After your procedure

You'll recover in our office until you're ready to leave with your driver. Grogginess and gaps in memory are common for the rest of the day. Plan to rest at home, and don't drive, work, or make important decisions until the next day. We'll go over written aftercare instructions with you and your driver before you leave, and we follow up after your visit.

Meet Our Team

Dr. Kathy Delva is the owner and clinical director of Advanced Sedation Dentistry. She earned her dental degree from NYU College of Dentistry, completed a General Practice Residency at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, and trained in IV sedation through.

She also holds advanced certification in dental implants and trained in TMD and sleep-related care. This means patients can often have both sedation and treatment done by the same doctor.

Dr. Len Futerman is a dentist anesthesiologist who provides general anesthesia at our Virginia Beach office. He has completed a residency in Anesthesiology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City and he is a diplomate of both the American and the National Dental Boards of Anesthesiology (ADBA, NDBA), among many other certifications.

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Frequently Asked Questions