Tooth extraction is sometimes necessary for a variety of reasons. A tooth may be too damaged to save in some cases, making extraction the only option. Teeth are sometimes extracted to make more room in a small mouth. Whatever the reason for the procedure, some tooth extractions are performed under sedation, whether out of necessity or personal preference. 

If you have an upcoming tooth extraction that will involve sedation, you may be wondering what to expect. This overview of the process will help you understand what is involved to help ease any nerves or anxiety you may be feeling. 

What is Sedation Dentistry? 

Sedation dentistry is the use of medically induced relaxation for dental procedures. Various types of sedation may be used that provide varying levels of sedation from mild to deep. You may feel fully aware but relaxed, or completely unaware as if you are asleep. The type of sedation used for your procedure will depend on a few factors, such as the invasiveness of the procedure and how anxious you feel. 

Types of Sedation We Offer 

• Nitrous oxide: a light level of sedation administered through a mask over your nose, providing a relaxed, calming feeling that wears off in a matter of minutes once the gas is removed. 
• IV sedation: a deeper level of sedation administered through a vein in your arm or hand, allowing you to be completely unaware of the procedure and requiring rest and recovery for the remainder of the day. 

Why Choose Sedation for Tooth Extraction? 

• Dental anxiety. If you are feeling anxious about the procedure, sedation can help you relax and have a more comfortable experience. 
• Impacted teeth. Teeth that are stuck under the gums require surgery to remove. Sedation can make this more invasive type of extraction easier for you. 
• Less local anesthesia needed. While under sedation you may not need as much local anesthesia for the extraction, meaning you won’t have to wait as long for the numbness to wear off. 

How to Prepare for Sedated Tooth Extraction 

No preparation is required for nitrous oxide sedation, as it wears off quickly with little to no side effects. For IV sedation, the following will be required: 

• Fasting. It is important that you don’t eat for 12 hours before IV sedation. 
• Transportation. You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure. 
• After care. Depending on how you feel and your age, you may need someone to stay with you following your procedure to provide care. 

What Happens During the Procedure? 

The first step is to administer sedation, whatever type you have chosen. Once the sedation has taken effect, the tooth extraction process begins. Local anesthesia is administered if necessary. For impacted teeth an incision is made in the gums to access the tooth. Then the tooth is gently loosened from the socket and removed. The gum tissue will be sutured over the empty socket to promote healing. 

Post-Procedure Recovery and Care 

After the procedure you will need to bite down on gauze until bleeding fully stops. You will most likely need to continue applying gauze after you get home, changing it out until it comes out clean. Rest with your head propped up above the level of your heart. Wait until you are no longer numb to eat anything that requires chewing. A soft diet is typically best for the first few days following your procedure. You will require more rest after IV sedation than after nitrous oxide, as the effects of IV sedation take longer to wear off. 

Contact Braasch Oral Surgery

Sedation can be a helpful tool for tooth extractions, making the procedure less intimidating for patients who experience dental anxiety. If you’d like to learn more about sedation before your tooth extraction procedure, call Braasch Oral Surgery at 603-657-1984 or contact us with questions. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Extractions with Sedation

Will I remember the procedure afterwards?

If you have nitrous oxide you will most likely remember the experience, but not necessarily the details. If you have IV sedation you probably won’t remember anything about the procedure afterwards. 

Is IV sedation safe?

Yes, IV sedation is safe for most patients. A complete medical history will be gathered first to eliminate any potential health concerns that would make it unsafe for any individual. Your vitals are carefully monitored throughout the procedure by our experienced team. 

Braasch Oral Surgery provides a wide variety of oral surgery procedures, including tooth extraction and wisdom teeth removal. Our sedation options are designed to improve the patient experience, reducing anxiety and making treatment more comfortable. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Many people feel nervous about going to the oral surgeon, especially if undergoing a lengthy procedure. Sedation helps patients remain calm during dental procedures. Whether you are anxious or simply want to relax while the dentist does their work, sedation dentistry may be right for you.

Advantages of Sedation Dentistry

Helps Patients with Anxiety

Patients who feel anxious about dental work often avoid visiting the office. The longer they put off necessary dental procedures, the more likely their issues will worsen. Waiting to have dental work done only makes it more expensive and time-consuming. 

 

Patients can keep appointments and maintain their dental health with sedation dentistry without undue stress and worry.

Lowers Discomfort

While oral surgeons expertly use local anesthesia to block sensation, sedation helps to reduce or eliminate discomfort during appointments.

Proven Safe for Most Patients

Patients of all ages can safely take advantage of sedation dentistry, with a few exceptions for certain medical conditions like pregnancy and heart disease.

Our Sedation Options

We offer two types of sedation in our oral surgery practice:

• Nitrous Oxide
• IV Deep Sedation 

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is a clear, colorless, odorless gas that provides light sedation. Nitrous oxide replaces some of the oxygen in your lungs and prevents it from reaching your brain. This gas produces calm and euphoria, helping a dental procedure go by quickly.

 

Before your procedure, the oral surgeon applies a small mask to your nose to flow the gas. The surgeon will gradually increase the gas level until you feel its effects. During the procedure, the oral surgeon can adjust the gas level up and down to accommodate you.

 

When the procedure is almost over, the oral surgeon lowers the nitrous oxide flowing through the mask and replaces it with pure oxygen. Breathing the oxygen for a few minutes flushes the nitrous oxide from your system and allows you to return to normal within minutes.

 

With nitrous oxide, you can drive yourself from the appointment and return immediately to your normal daily activities, including work or school.

IV Deep Sedation

Many patients opt for IV sedation when they are having wisdom teeth removed. With IV sedation, you will be unconscious during your appointment and not feel anything. You will need vital sign monitoring and careful supervision during your appointment.

 

This type of sedation works by inserting an IV in your arm or hand and allowing the drug to enter your bloodstream. The sedation takes immediate effect and stays stable during your procedure. You will not feel, hear, see, or remember anything from your procedure.

 

After your procedure, the oral surgeon will remove the medication and allow you to recover. You will need careful adult supervision and a responsible driver to take you home from your appointment. You will need to rest quietly for the rest of the day and follow our post-operative instructions.

Call Braasch Oral Surgery

Sedation dentistry can help you tolerate lengthy appointments and relieve anxiety. We can answer your questions about sedation dentistry at any time. Please call our Bedford, NH, office at 603-657-1984 for more information or to make an appointment.