IV Sedation for Wisdom Teeth in Dubai: A Realistic Walkthrough

Third-molar extractions are the most common IV-sedation case in Dubai dentistry. Most patients Google ‘general anaesthesia wisdom teeth’ when they actually need moderate IV sedation with a licensed anaesthetist. ### Timeline of a typical case **Day -14: Consultation** CBCT scan (AED 350–600) to check proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve. Anaesthetist review appointment (AED 400–800) — medical history, ASA classification, pre-op instructions. **Day -1: Prep** No food after midnight, water up to 2 hours pre-op. Continue routine medications with a sip of water. Arrange an escort. **Day 0: Procedure (arrive 30 min early)** - Vitals, IV cannula placement - Local anaesthetic infiltration + IANB block - IV midazolam titrated 2–5 mg, fentanyl 25–50 mcg - Extractions typically 30–75 minutes for all four - Recovery room 45–60 minutes; discharged when GCS 15 and vitals stable **Day +1 to +7: Recovery** - Ice packs 20-on-20-off for first 24 hours - Soft cold diet 48 hours (labneh, mashed avocado, cold soups) - Chlorhexidine 0.2% rinse starting day 2 - Suture removal day 7 (or dissolving, no visit needed) ### Total cost in Dubai (all four molars, IV sedation) - Surgical extraction: AED 3,000–5,500 - IV sedation (anaesthetist + drugs): AED 2,500–4,000 - CBCT + follow-up: AED 500–800 - **Bundled range: AED 6,000–10,500** Insurance covers 60–100% of the surgical portion with pre-authorisation; sedation portion typically 50–80% when medically justified (impacted molars, phobia). ### Red flags before consenting - No CBCT ordered before surgery - No independent anaesthetist named on paperwork - ‘One-price’ quote without itemised sedation line Solis Dental Clinic partners with DHA-licensed anaesthetists and provides an itemised quote with sedation broken out before treatment starts.