Surgical Extraction and Anesthesia

If you’ve just been told by your dentist that you need a tooth extraction, you may be wondering about the surgery and how your dentist will use anesthesia to manage the procedure. There are several options available, and your dentist will select the one that best meets your needs and discuss it with you prior the procedure. Here are the different types of anesthesia your dentist may use.

Local Anesthesia

For tooth extractions, especially simple ones, local anesthesia is the most common type used. Your dentist or the anesthesiologist will inject a numbing medication into the gums and area around the extraction site. When they administer this agent, you will feel a small pinch and within a few minutes the area of the injection will become numb. Local anesthesia is safe and effective for people of all ages, it doesn’t require special equipment, it has no long-term side-effects, and generally wears off within a few hours.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation is a type of sedation taken prior the procedure. The medication is taken orally and will assist with anxiety and nervousness prior the procedure by helping with relaxation and calmness. This type of anesthesia is commonly used for tooth extractions where the patient would benefit from not being nervous about what is happening in their mouth. This type of sedation may cause drowsiness. It does have the benefits of not needing an IV for administration and it has a quicker recovery time than general anesthesia.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous oxide is a gas used to alleviate anxiety in order to help you feel relaxed during the procedure. You breath the gas through a mask or mouthpiece. It does not put you to sleep, but instead takes away some of your awareness of what’s happening around you. The sedation typically lasts about 30 minutes to an hour but will vary based on the dosage given the needs of your procedure. The amount of nitrous oxide administered will also impact the recovery time.

General Anesthesia

Some procedures require general anesthesia to be administered. In this case, your dentist or the anesthesiologist will inject you with the sedation drug which will allow you fall asleep. Your dentist will provide you with oxygen and monitor your vitals during this time. The general anesthesia will ensure that you sleep through the procedure and do not experience pain.

Prior to your procedure, your dentist will discuss the types of anesthesia with you and make their recommendations. It is important during this time to ask questions and express your concerns to your dentist. Some people will be more comfortable with less anesthesia, while others will wish for additional support. By sharing your concerns with your dentist, they will better be able to gauge how to assist you through the procedure. Your dentist will also be able to discuss possible side effects and the pros and cons of different types of anesthesia. Most importantly, no matter the type of anesthesia used, your dentist will be able to ensure that you do not experience pain during the procedure.

What is the Difference Between Simple & Surgical Extraction?