Surgical Extraction and Anesthesia
Patients are often alarmed when they hear they need to have one or more teeth extracted. There are two types of extractions which are simple and surgical. The type of extraction is based on the position and accessibility of the tooth. It can cause anxiety for patients when they do not know what to expect or if they have had a negative past experience with dentistry. Dentists receive extensive training and have tools to help keep patients comfortable during a tooth extraction. In some cases, sedation can be a helpful option for patients. A summary of sedation and anesthesia which can be used during an extraction is provided below.
Sedation
Patients who are having a tooth extraction will often meet with the dentist prior to the procedure for an examination and to discuss the expectations. The dentist may discuss the option of being sedated for the procedure in cases of high anxiety or complex surgical extractions. Sedation can be effective in keeping patients calm and eliminating pain after the procedure. Below is a summary of the different types of sedation and anesthesia which are often used during a tooth extraction.
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is the most common type of anesthesia used for a tooth extraction. The dentist or oral surgeon will inject numbing medication into the gums around the extraction site. Patients may experience sting or a slight pinch during the actual injection, but they should not feel pain. The extraction site will remain numb throughout the procedure. Once the medication wears off after an hour or two, the patient may have some minor throbbing or tingling.
The key advantages of local anesthesia include:
- Safe and effective for all patients regardless of their age
- Special equipment is not needed
- No long-term side effects
- Complications are incredibly rare
- Quick recovery
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is another type of sedation which is commonly used for extractions. In most cases, the sedation is taken orally before the procedure begins. Oral conscious sedation can also be used for other types of dental procedures.
The medication works by helping patients feel relaxed and calm. It is effective for the duration of the procedure. Patients do not feel nervous or anxious and remain comfortable. Mild drowsiness is one possible side effect of the medicine. A benefit of oral conscious sedation is that the recovery time is relatively quick, and it does not require the use of an IV.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Another common type of sedation used for an extraction is nitrous oxide. This is a gas that the patient will breathe through a mouthpiece or mask. Nitrous oxide also helps patients relax and relieves anxiety during the procedure. While it does not put the patient to sleep, they do become less aware of their surroundings while the medicine is administered. The dose of nitrous oxide will dictate how long the effects last. In most cases, it will last for about 30 minutes up to an hour. The expected recovery time will also vary based on the amount of sedation used. Nitrous oxide can also be used along with a local anesthesia or another medication.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is the most common type of sedation used for tooth extractions. The dentist will inject the patient with a drug through an IV that makes them fall asleep. Oxygen will be given to the patient to aid in breathing. The anesthesia will keep the patient asleep and ensure they do not feel discomfort or pain during the extraction.
There are numerous types of anesthesia and sedation which can be used for patients during a tooth extraction. Some patients are comfortable with the procedure and do not feel the need to receive any anesthesia. In other cases, the patient may be nervous or anxious and want to discuss their options for sedation. Anesthesia is an incredibly helpful tool which can aid in keeping patients relaxed and comfortable while they are having a tooth extracted.
Patients should contact the dental office to discuss their options for anesthesia with the dentist. These options should be reviewed and determined prior to the tooth extraction.