If your dentist informed you that you need your wisdom teeth removed, probably the first question you might ask is, “Will it hurt?”. Fortunately, this is an area where advances in dentistry – particularly in the area of sedation – provide much relief and discomfort can be minimized. Your Duncan dentist will use a technique that will provide you with a comfortable, relaxed experience throughout the appointment.
Removal of wisdom teeth is a common procedure, particularly for young adults who may have impacted wisdom teeth, which may be painful, or wisdom teeth that are creating crowding in your smile. Sedation can help make the process of extraction even less stressful.
What is Sedation for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Sedation dentistry is a process that can assist patients in feeling calm and relaxed during dental procedures. Sedation is helpful for patients who experience anxiety and have a low pain tolerance, as well as good candidates for disability assistance during treatment. There are many levels of sedation, from minimal medication, where sedatives keep you calm, to deeper levels of sedation where patients may not recall portions of the appointment.
Sedation usually works with a local anaesthetic for wisdom teeth extraction, which numbs the area to eliminate pain, while sedation helps your body and mind remain relaxed during the extraction.
What are the Benefits of Sedation for Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
There are many benefits of sedation for wisdom teeth extraction, and they go beyond pain control:
- Decreased Anxiety – Sedation allows the reduction of anxiety both prior to and during the appointment.
- Minimal Discomfort – you remain relaxed and the anaesthetic keeps you numb.
- Less Memory of the Appointment – Many patients report they recall little, if anything, from the appointment. Time seems shorter – The procedure may be brief.
- Less work for the dentist – When you are relaxed, the dentist can work more easily.
The above benefits make sedation a very good option for those patients who may have concerns about pain or anxiety with wisdom tooth removal.
Does Sedation Mean You Won’t Feel Anything?
Sedation helps you stay relaxed, while anesthesia removes pain. This means that while you may have feelings of some pressure or movement, you shouldn’t feel any sharp pain during the procedure. Many people report that they feel drowsy or in a dreamlike state.
Your dentist near you in Duncan will adjust the sedation based on your needs and will ensure you are comfortable throughout the time you are there.
What Types of Sedation are Utilized for Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Your dentist may use a variety of sedations, or a combination of sedatives:
- Oral Sedation– A pill that will be taken prior to your appointment, which will keep you calm.
- IV Sedation– all medication is provided using a small tube inserted in your arm, which provides a deeper level of relaxation.
Your dentist will provide the best solution for you in regard to how comfortable you are, your health, and the complexity of your surgery.
How should you prepare for Sedation?
Your dentist will provide any pre-sedation instructions beforehand. This may include:
- Not eating or drinking for a few hours before the procedure (mostly if IV sedation).
- selecting a driver to transport you home.
- letting your dentist know about any allergies or prescription drugs you are using.
Following the steps outlined above will help assure your safety and comfort during the treatment.
What Is Recovery Like After Sedation and Wisdom Teeth Removal?
After your procedure, you’ll be resting in the dental clinic until the sedation has worn off enough for you to go home. It is normal to feel a little sleepy or unsteady for the rest of the day, but some people return to their normal light activities the next day. Full local healing from the extraction will take about 1–2 weeks.
Your dentist will give you instructions on how to care for the extraction sites (such as):
- Icing the area to reduce swelling.
- Taking prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications.
- Eating soft foods and avoiding hard or crunchy foods.
- Keeping the inside of your mouth clean by gently rinsing.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Sedation?
Sedation is very helpful for many patients undergoing dental work, but especially for those who:
- Are anxious about getting dental work done.
- Have a low threshold for pain.
- Require more than one tooth to be removed at a time.
- Have had bad experiences at the dentist in the past.
However, not everyone is a candidate for some types of sedation. Your dentist will have you fill out a health history and make sure it’s safe for you to have this work done under sedation.
Should You Be Worried About the Pain of Wisdom Teeth Removal?
With the right balance of sedation and anesthesia, most patients are in very little pain during the removal of their wisdom teeth. The most important thing is to talk to your dentist and voice your concerns about the level of sedation to use.
Get Comfortable, Stress-Free Care Today
If you are considering wisdom teeth removal and wish to have a comfortable and worry-free experience, Cowichan Valley Dental Group Health & Implant Centre can help. Call us today to book your consultation and take your first step to a healthier smile.
