Sedated Wisdom Teeth Removal: What You Should Know
Posted on: 5 July 2023
If you are scheduled to have your wisdom teeth removed, you may be wondering what to expect from the procedure. One of the most common questions people have is whether they will be sedated during the extraction.
Sedation is a method of reducing pain and anxiety by administering drugs that affect the central nervous system. There are different levels of sedation that may be used during the extraction of your wisdom teeth. They range from mild to deep, depending on the type and dose of the drugs used.
Here is a bit of information about the sedation levels for wisdom teeth removal.
Mild Sedation
Mild sedation, also known as anxiolysis, involves taking oral medication, such as benzodiazepines. The medicines help you feel relaxed and drowsy.
With mild sedation, you will still be awake and able to communicate with your dentist, but you may not remember much of the extraction afterward. Mild sedation is usually sufficient for simple extractions of one or two wisdom teeth.
The simple extractions do not require incisions to your gums. However, mild sedation can quell your anxiety as the local anesthesia numbs the area around your extraction site.
Moderate Sedation
Moderate sedation, also known as conscious sedation, involves inhaling nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or receiving intravenous (IV) medication that makes you feel more deeply relaxed and sleepy.
When moderately sedated, you will still be conscious and able to respond to verbal commands. However, you may not remember anything about the wisdom tooth extraction afterward. Moderate sedation is usually recommended for more complex extractions, such as the surgical removal of multiple impacted wisdom teeth.
Deep Sedation
Deep sedation, also known as general anesthesia, involves receiving IV medication that makes you lose consciousness completely. You will not feel any pain or have any awareness of the procedure. You will also need a breathing tube and a monitor to check your vital signs.
Deep sedation is usually reserved for very complex or lengthy extractions, or for patients who have severe anxiety or medical conditions that make other forms of sedation unsafe.
The level of sedation that is best for you will depend on several factors, such as your medical history, your dental condition, your personal preference, and a dentist's recommendation.
Sedated wisdom teeth extraction is a safe and effective way of removing your wisdom teeth with minimal discomfort and stress. To have sedation applied as you have your wisdom teeth removed, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.
Contact a local dental clinic to learn more about sedated wisdom teeth extraction.
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