Sedation Dentistry in Korea
For anxious patients and longer surgery, IV sleep sedation is available for implant surgery in Gangnam. You stay relaxed and drowsy while local anaesthetic keeps the area numb.
- Since 2002
- 13 dentists
- In-house lab
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What is IV sleep sedation at the dentist?
IV sleep sedation is a sedative given through a small vein line that makes you deeply relaxed and drowsy during dental surgery, while local anaesthetic numbs the area. Most patients remember little of the procedure. At Gangnam One Day Dental Clinic it is available for implant surgery after a health check, and you need an adult escort home afterwards.
Reviewed by Dr. Kim Jin-hwan , Chief Director · Updated October 5, 2026
Who sedation can help
Many adults avoid the dentist because of fear, a strong gag reflex or a bad past experience. For surgery such as dental implant placement, especially multiple implants or full-mouth treatment, sedation can make a long appointment much easier to tolerate.
Gangnam One Day Dental Clinic offers IV sleep sedation for implant surgery. If you are anxious about another procedure, such as a surgical wisdom tooth removal, ask on WhatsApp; the dentist will explain what is suitable for your case.
- Significant dental anxiety or phobia
- Strong gag reflex
- Longer or multi-implant surgery
- Difficulty keeping the mouth open for long periods
Sedation is not general anaesthesia
Under IV sedation you breathe on your own and can usually respond to simple instructions, but you feel deeply relaxed and drowsy, and most patients remember little afterwards. Local anaesthetic is still used to numb the surgical area; the sedation addresses anxiety, not pain at the site.
General anaesthesia, where you are fully unconscious, is a different procedure usually carried out in a hospital setting.
Not sure if this is right for you? Send a photo or X-ray — a dentist replies on WhatsApp in English, Chinese or Japanese.
Get a free opinionSafety, preparation and recovery
Before sedation, the dentist reviews your medical history, current medication, allergies and previous reactions to anaesthesia. Conditions such as heart or lung disease, sleep apnea, pregnancy or certain medications may change the plan. You will be given fasting instructions and asked to arrange an adult escort.
Building 2 (Startplex, 438 Gangnam-daero), one of the clinic's two implant buildings, has a surgery lounge on the 15th floor. After the procedure you rest until you are alert enough to leave. Do not drive, sign important documents or drink alcohol for the rest of the day.
| Local anaesthetic only | Local anaesthetic + IV sleep sedation | |
|---|---|---|
| Awareness | Fully awake | Deeply relaxed and drowsy |
| Memory of procedure | Full | Usually little |
| Fasting | Not needed | Required as instructed |
| After the visit | Can usually drive and work | Escort home; rest for the day |
| At this clinic | All procedures | Implant surgery |
How it works at Oneday Dental
- Before visit
Tell us about your anxiety
Mention sedation in your WhatsApp message and share your medical history and medications.
- Consultation
Exam and suitability
The dentist plans the surgery with 3D CT and checks that IV sedation is safe for you.
- Day before
Prepare
Follow fasting and medication instructions and confirm your adult escort.
- Surgery day
Sedation and procedure
A small IV line is placed, sedation is given and the surgery is done under local anaesthetic with monitoring.
- After surgery
Recover and go home
You rest until alert, receive written aftercare and leave with your escort.
Things to know before you decide
- Sedation is not suitable for everyone; some heart, lung or sleep-breathing conditions and some medications require a different plan.
- Drowsiness can last for hours; you must not drive, operate machinery or make important decisions that day.
- Pregnant patients are generally not sedated for elective dental treatment.
- Sedation reduces anxiety but does not replace local anaesthetic, and some soreness after surgery is still normal.
- Bruising at the IV site and mild nausea can occur.
Experience you can check
- 2002Founded in Gangnam — 24 years
- 13Dentists in 5 departments
- 3Clinic buildings, 1,570 m²
- 0.01 mmT-Scan bite-force detail
Vice President, Korean Academy of Stomatognathic Function & Occlusion · author on T-Scan implant occlusion (IGI Global)
Sedation Dentistry: common questions
Will I be asleep during IV sedation?
Which treatments can be done with sedation at this clinic?
How much does sedation dentistry cost in Korea?
Can I travel alone if I have sedation?
Is IV sedation safe?
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