Can You Be Sedated For A Tooth Extraction?

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we specialize in sedation and oral surgeries in St. Louis.

If you are having a tooth extracted in St. Louis, The Dental Anesthesia Center is here to help you stay safe and comfortable throughout the entire procedure. Not sure if you should be sedated during your tooth extraction? Here are a few of the top signs that sedation dentistry may be right for you.

Schedule an Appointment – Call (314) 862-7844

Top rated

The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.9

Based on 272 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

Cheryl L.

Our experience was wonderful. Our Down’s Syndrome son is very apprehensive about his appointments, but Dr. Thoms and all of his staff made our son more compliant. Each member seems vested in their job and are so kind and caring. Thank you for a positive experience.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad your family had a positive experience. Our team takes great pride in providing compassionate, individualized care, and your feedback means so much to us!

Mark B.

Everyone is always very welcoming and professional.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad our team makes you feel welcome. We truly appreciate your support!

Angela B.

This staff and these doctors are patient and kind and treat their patients with dignity. The doctors to a great job and go above and beyond.

Response from the owner:We’re so grateful for your thoughtful review! Thank you for trusting our team and for your kind support.

chuck J.

I had a dental problem that needed attention quickly. They got me in the next day and we identified the problem and came up with a great solution. I have been going there for over 10 years and they always come through.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your continued trust in our team over the years! We’re always happy to help and truly appreciate your kind words and recommendation!

Christy H.

Always a great experience. Carrie does a wonderful job keeping my smile healthy and bright. Dr. Thoms is always very nice and professional. They make going to the dentist much less stressful!

Response from the owner:Thank you for the great feedback! We're so glad Carrie and Dr. Thoms have made your visits comfortable and enjoyable.

A Surgical Tooth Extraction

Basic or “simple” tooth extractions involve simply loosening the tooth in the socket and then pulling it out with special dental tools. Often, this is done with just local numbing.

But surgical extractions are a bit different. They are required when the tooth has not erupted all the way from the gums. For example, if your wisdom teeth have not come all the way out, this type of extraction may be necessary.

In this case, your dentist will need to make an incision into your gums, cut the tooth into pieces, and pull it out bit-by-bit. This type of surgical extraction is more invasive, so sedation is usually recommended to ensure you feel safe and comfortable.

You Have A Strong Gag Reflex

An extreme gag reflex may make it hard to extract rear teeth such as wisdom teeth. With sedation dentistry in St. Louis, though, you can reduce your gag reflex and ensure you feel more comfortable during your treatment.

You’re Afraid Of Needles

About 50 million Americans are scared of needles, such as numbing needles, making this a top 10 phobia in the country. If you really dislike needles, it may be difficult or impossible to numb your mouth. But with sedation dentistry, you can overcome your fear and get the treatment you need.

Worried That Your Treatment Will Be Painful

If you have a low pain tolerance and are nervous because you think that your tooth extraction will hurt, sedation is a great option. For example, laughing gas sedation helps reduce feelings of pain and makes you feel more calm and carefree during your treatment.

You Have Dental Anxiety or Are Scared of The Dentist

Dental anxiety is a prevalent phobia many people have. If you have a serious fear of the dentist, sedation is definitely the best option. With sedation methods like oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, and even general anesthesia available, you can sleep through your entire procedure at The Dental Anesthesia Center – and you won’t remember any part of the process.