What Kind Of Sedation Is Used For Tooth Extraction?

Do you need a tooth extraction done but are nervous about having surgery? Maybe you have had a bad experience in the past. Still, there are options available for dental surgery that can be of help to anyone in your situation. One of these options is sedation dentistry. Let’s take a closer look at what it is and how it works.

Types Of Sedation Used For Tooth Extraction

When you are getting a tooth extracted, your dentist will likely discuss the option of sedating you. Sedation dentistry is a way to help manage your anxiety about having an extraction and ensure there isn’t any pain afterward. Here are the different types of sedation that dentists use for tooth extractions:

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is the most common type of anesthesia used for tooth extraction. The anesthesiologist injects numbing medication into the area surrounding your tooth and gums. The injection may feel like a pinch or sting, but it shouldn’t be painful. Afterward, you’ll likely experience some throbbing or tingling in your lip and cheek that can last up to an hour or two after surgery.

Local anesthesia has many advantages: 

• It’s safe and effective for all ages
• It doesn’t require any special equipment (such as breathing tubes)
• There are no long-term side effects associated with its use
• There is little risk of complications
• Recovery time is usually short

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation is a type of sedation you take orally before your procedure. It can be used for any dental procedure but is most commonly used for tooth extractions.

The medication will help you feel relaxed and calm during the treatment, so you’ll be able to relax in the chair without feeling nervous or anxious about what’s happening to your mouth. You may also experience some mild drowsiness, which makes sense since oral conscious sedation causes sleepiness as one of its side effects.

Benefits:

• No IV is required (which means no needle)
• Quicker recovery time compared with general anesthesia

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous oxide is a gas you breathe through a mask or mouthpiece. It’s used to relieve anxiety and make you feel relaxed during the procedure. Nitrous oxide doesn’t put you to sleep, but it does take away some of your awareness of what’s happening around you.

Nitrous oxide sedation lasts about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the dose of anesthesia. However, recovery time varies depending on how much sedation was used and whether other medications were used (for example, local anesthesia).

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is the most common type of sedation used for tooth extraction. The dentist will inject you with a drug that makes you unconscious and then give you oxygen to help you breathe. You’ll be asleep and unable to feel pain during the procedure.

Discuss The Type Of Sedation With Your Dentist

When you have a tooth extracted, your dentist will likely discuss the option of sedation. This may sound familiar to you if you have ever had surgery or even been to the dentist before. While some people may feel comfortable with no anesthesia, others prefer to take advantage of sedation options that can help them relax and feel less pain during their procedure.

Your dentist in Plano can use many different types of sedation for tooth extraction. They will discuss which is best for your situation and what side effects may be associated with each type. It is important to remember that no matter what type of sedation is used, you will be painless throughout the operation. It is normal to feel a bit sore. However, it can be cured with a bit. 

FAQs

Q: What to do if you’re nervous about applying sedation?

A: It’s important to discuss your options with your dentist before the procedure begins. If you’re nervous about receiving anesthesia, talk to your dentist. They can help you understand what type is best for you and recommend additional medications that can help make you more comfortable during treatment.

Q: How long does it take to numb up?

A: Usually about 5 minutes, but it can take longer depending on your body and the procedure. 

Q: Will I still be awake during my extraction?

A: Yes! You will not be knocked out completely or lose consciousness during the procedure, so you’ll be able to watch everything happening and speak up if something hurts or feels wrong.