Surgical Extraction and Anesthesia
It can be surprising when patients hear that they need to have a tooth extracted. In some cases of a tooth extraction, surgery may be required. Patients are often nervous about what to expect or perhaps had a negative experience in the past. Fortunately, dentists have extensive training and are skilled in how to ensure patients remain comfortable during a surgical tooth extraction. One option that can be helpful for some patients is sedation dentistry. The following article will review details regarding sedation commonly used for a surgical extraction.
Sedation & Extractions
Patients who are having one or more teeth extracted discuss various details of the procedure with the dentist. One option the dentist will likely review is the option of being sedated during the procedure. Sedation dentistry can be used during procedures to help patients manage anxiety and stress. It can be especially helpful during an extraction and eliminates pain following the procedure. Various types of sedation commonly used for a tooth extraction are summarized below:
Local Anesthesia
The most common type of anesthesia used for a tooth extraction is local anesthesia. The anesthesiologist will inject numbing medication into the area near the affected tooth and gums. There may be a slight pinch or sting during the injection, but patients should not experience any significant pain. Once the medication absorbs, patients typically experience minor throbbing or tingling in the lips and cheeks. This may last for an hour or two following the procedure.
Below are the key advantages of using local anesthesia:
1. Safe and effective for patients of any age
2. No special equipment is required
3. No long-term side effects
4. Low risk for complications
5. Short recovery time
Oral Conscious Sedation
Another type of sedation which can be used is oral conscious sedation. This type of sedation is usually taken orally prior to the procedure. While oral conscious sedation can be used for any dental procedure, it is used most frequently in tooth extraction cases.
The medication helps patients feel relaxed and calm throughout the procedure. Patients will feel relaxed in the chair and avoid feelings of nervousness or anxiety. Patients may experience mild drowsiness or sleepiness as a side effect of the medication.
Some of the benefits associated with oral conscious sedation include that an IV is not required and that the recovery time is quicker compared to general anesthesia.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide can also be used during an extraction. It is a gas which patients breathe through a mask or mouthpiece and is commonly used to relieve anxiety or help patients relax during treatment. While nitrous oxide does not put patients to sleep, it takes away some of their awareness regarding their surroundings. Depending on the dose of anesthesia, nitrous oxide sedation should last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. The recovery time will vary based on the amount of sedation used and if any other medications were used such as a local anesthesia.
General Anesthesia
The most common type of sedation used for a tooth extraction is general anesthesia. When administering general anesthesia, the dentist will inject patients with a drug which makes them unconscious. Patients will then receive oxygen to help them breathe. Patients will remain asleep and will not feel any pain or discomfort throughout the entire procedure.
Patients who are having a tooth extracted should review their options for anesthesia with the dentist. Dentists can discuss various options for sedation. Patients may not feel the need for any anesthesia, while others want to take full advantage of their sedation options. Anesthesia is an excellent tool which can help patients feel relaxed and minimize or eliminate pain during the tooth extraction procedure.