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.

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.