Are you feeling pain at the back of your mouth or around your jaw? If so, you might need a wisdom tooth extraction. Removing wisdom teeth becomes necessary for many patients to alleviate pain, prevent further damage, and improve functionality. But some people can feel anxious or nervous by just thinking about the procedure. Often, this can lead to delaying the procedure, which needs to be done quickly. And if you don’t get your impacted or infected wisdom tooth removed, you might suffer from further dental issues.
So, suppose you feel anxious or jumpy when you think about wisdom tooth extraction. In that case, it’s important to know more about dental sedation to help ease the tension.
How painful is wisdom tooth extraction?
Before any dental surgery, we often get asked, “Will it hurt?” Some mild pain is always associated with any dental surgery. However, the dentist performing the surgery will make sure that the patient doesn’t experience pain. They do so with the help of sedation dentistry. Above all, ignoring impacted wisdom teeth can often lead to much more pain than having them extracted.
The dentist or oral surgeon will ensure you do not experience pain by numbing and relaxing you before starting your surgery. The recommended method is to use the mildest level of sedation. But your dentist can improvise for special circumstances that require additional sedation.
What is Dental Sedation?
Dental sedation is a method in which the dentist uses a sedative to help patients relax during a dental procedure. Sedation is often essential for wisdom tooth extraction to ensure the patients remain comfortable throughout the surgery.
The dentist can use different levels of sedation, ranging from minimal sedation to deep sedation. The amount of sedation used depends on several factors, including the patient’s personal pain threshold and the duration of the procedure.
Different Methods of Sedation
Your dentist can sedate you through several methods before your wisdom teeth are removed. These options include:
Laughing Gas
Laughing gas or nitrous oxide is the most common method of sedation used in dental practices. It is taken by inhalation with the help of an oxygen mask. In this type of sedation, the patient is mostly conscious but feels numb. Once it wears off, you will feel like you are waking from a deep nap.
Halcion
Halcion, used for light insomnia, comes in the form of a pill. Once it is taken, its effects come on quickly but only last for an hour or two. Its ‘quick but not so long-term’ effects make it an ideal option for dental work.
Intravenous (IVs)
Intravenous sedation is often used when deep sedation is needed. It is administered through an IV into the patient’s bloodstream. During this type of sedation, your dentist will continuously monitor your condition. The effects of IV sedation are quick and provide increased control over the patient’s consciousness.
Is Sedation Dentistry Necessary for Wisdom Teeth Extractions?
Although sedation is essential in some cases, it is not always required. So, the best way to determine which sedation option is best for you, speak to your oral surgeon or dentist. If you need a wisdom tooth extraction, please feel free to visit Village Park Family Dental – the best dentist in Cypress, TX!
Comments