If your dentist has advised you to have your wisdom teeth removed in the near future, then you need to know about each of the options that you have for anesthesia.
There are three different choices, which are:
Here is some information on each type of dental anesthesia available to help you make an informed decision:
Anesthesia Option #1: Local
If your wisdom teeth have emerged and do not have any issues with infection, decay, or crowding, then they can likely be removed by your family dentist. For this relatively easy removal scenario, your dentist will apply a topical numbing gel to your gums, followed by injections of a numbing agent into your gum tissue. The numbing medication will completely numb the wisdom teeth area and will allow your dentist to pull the teeth without you feeling any pain. You may feel some movement and pulling sensations during the removal, but they will not generate any pain.
With a local anesthesia, you will be awake for the procedure. You will have no lasting after-effects of this anesthesia option other than some numbness in your cheeks and gums for a few hours.
Anesthesia Option #2: Gas
If you are phobic of dental procedures or if your wisdom teeth are not in a good condition for removal, then your dentist will likely refer you to an oral surgeon. The oral surgeon will offer you the use of nitrous oxide gas for anesthesia. The gas is used in combination with a local anesthesia. The local will numb the area while the gas will make you feel drunk and not care as much about the procedure that is taking place.
The downside of using gas for anesthesia is two-fold:
In addition, not all oral surgeons offer this option, so you will need to locate one who does in your local area.
Anesthesia Option #3: Sedation or General
If your wisdom teeth have not yet emerged or are wedged under surrounding teeth, then your oral surgeon will likely recommend that the teeth be removed under sedation or general anesthesia. The medication will be administered to you through an IV line placed into a vein in your arm. You will be sedated through the entire procedure and will not remember it afterward.
This type of anesthesia requires that there be an anesthesiologist present to monitor your vital signs so it can be pricey. Also, you may be required to stay overnight in the hospital to help you recover from the anesthesia.
Conclusion
Now that you know more about your dental anesthesia options for your impending wisdom teeth removal, you can work with your dentist or oral surgeon to determine the right option for your unique needs. If you have additional questions about this or any other dental procedure, you should always speak with your dentist or their staff (or clinics like Alaska Oral Surgery Center).
Share26 May 2015
Halloween is a holiday that my children love, and telling them they can't go door-to-door collecting candy would break their hearts. This led me to allowing them to collect candy on the holiday, then rationing it out to them every day instead of letting them gobble it up in just a few days. I always thought this was better for them, but my dentist told me this could be the reason why their February dental check-ups were always their worst ones. Daily candy consumption was taking a toll on their teeth. I started a new tradition of letting them indulge for two days, then giving them the option to swap the rest with me in exchange for a new toy. They never pass on the opportunity for a new toy. I created this blog to encourage other parents find similar tactics to keep their children's teeth healthy after Halloween.