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