5 Sedation Options for Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth are troublemakers for many people, as they can become painfully jammed between bone and the other teeth.

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What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about long and painful dental procedures? You are likely thinking about wisdom tooth removal.

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Cindy R.

Searching for a new dental clinic is challenging for someone who has dental anxiety, fear, and traumatic experiences in a dental chair. The staff and doctors at the Dental Anesthesia Center were immediately very welcoming. Dr. Thoms put together a very detailed plan to repair and replace the previous work that I had in the past that was now causing problems. Putting my faith in him was the best thing that I could have done for my situation. I am more than completely satisfied with all of the extensive dental work that I’ve had with Dr.Thoms. I had my fourth sleep dentistry experience yesterday and I’m very happy with my results. I highly recommend this practice and truly want to give them more than five stars! Thank you for giving me back my health and confidence. I adding to this post because of my visit today with the best dental hygienist Delaina and my exam with Dr. Biehl. I have truly never been to such a caring and supportive dental group. Everyone is always conscientious of my needs and knows that I have issues with anxiety. I am always calm when I am sitting in the chair because of their kindness. I am so pleased with the Dental anesthesia center. There needs to be more than five stars. Thank you, everyone.

Response from the owner:We know it isn’t always easy to find a dental office where you feel at ease, so your words mean the world to us. We’re so glad you feel comfortable with our team and truly appreciate your trust and recommendation!

Patricia R.

I am unusually tense about my appointments. However, from the moment I checked in I relaxed. The staff was welcoming and assuring, and helped me to relax completely. Dr. Hofmann is superb. He is by far the best dentist and dental surgeon I have ever ever experienced.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad our team helped create a welcoming and comforting experience. We appreciate you sharing your feedback!

Arijeta R.

I cannot thank this clinic enough for their amazing care. They completely accommodated my individual needs by letting him wait in the hallway where he had more room for his feet and space to pace. Instead of forcing him into a tiny exam room, the dentist came out to the hallway to check his mouth. It made the entire visit so much easier for him. Fantastic service!

Response from the owner:Thanks so much for your kind words! We're grateful for the opportunity to provide compassionate, individualized care and appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Wishing you all the best!

Arijeta R.

Great experience! The staff went above and beyond to make my individual comfortable. They let him wait in the hallway so he could pace instead of staying in the crowded waiting room. The dentist even examined him right there. Highly recommend this accommodating team! Fantastic service!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review! We're honored by your recommendation and are committed to providing compassionate, individualized care for every person we serve. We truly appreciate your kind words!

Bradley W.

Calm, peaceful, respectful, kind

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! We appreciate your thoughtful words and are grateful you took the time to share your experience with our team.

Wisdom teeth are troublemakers for many people, as they can become painfully jammed between bone and the other teeth. They are often crooked and grow in a jaw that has become too small for them.

Removing wisdom teeth isn’t recommended in all cases, but if you do have decay or if they grow in the wrong direction, extraction might be the best option. If you are afraid about the procedure, then dental sedation might ease your anxiety. Talk with our St. Louis sedation dentists about it and see what the best course of treatment is for your case.

What to Expect from Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry includes all dental procedures that are done after the patient has been administered medication that numbs, calms and relaxes them. There are many types of substances that can be used and the concentration will be set by the anesthesia team in the least invasive way possible. In other words, you will be given the least amount of anesthetic needed for the procedure.

Because wisdom teeth removal is a more complicated extraction than other tooth removals, and because you may have two or even all wisdom teeth removed at once, sedation dentistry is a really good option for this procedure. You can be sedated mildly or even be under general anesthesia. It all depends on what your doctor recommends.

Sedation Options

Depending on how complex your extraction will be, your level of anxiety regarding the procedure and your medical record, your St. Louis sedation dentist can give you one or more options.

Local Anesthetic

If your wisdom teeth aren’t that hidden, you may get away only with some local anesthetic, which is normal anyway when you are getting a tooth extracted.

Conscious Sedation

During this type of sedation, you are conscious and can communicate with the doctor and the sedation team, giving them feedback about how you feel.

Laughing Gas

A slightly “old-school” method is the laughing gas (nitrous oxide), which has a very quick effect and wears off just as rapidly, making you relaxed and even cheerful – hence, the nickname. Ask if it is the only substance used to sedate you to make sure you can drive yourself right after the procedure. If there are others, you may need to be assisted.

IV Sedation

During IV sedation you will still be conscious, but groggy and even close to falling asleep. It will not let you remember much during the appointment, so it is a great solution for lengthy procedures such as multiple wisdom teeth removals.

General Anesthesia

In some cases, general anesthesia is required to perform the procedure safely. You will be administered medication that will get you to sleep. When you wake up, you won’t remember anything about the procedure.

St. Louis Wisdom Teeth Removal Dentist

If you are getting ready to have your wisdom tooth removed, talk about all the options with your doctor and ask them which one would be the best for you and why. Choose the one you are most comfortable with, but take the doctor’s advice into account.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, give us a call today at (314) 862-7844