Best Wisdom Teeth Removal Anesthesia Options

There are few wisdom teeth removal anesthesia options to consider. There are many dental patient cases where it becomes necessary to have wisdom teeth removed. In fact, this is an important procedure that can help to improve dental health substantially. From an impacted wisdom tooth to simply not having enough room in the mouth to accommodate wisdom teeth, there are many reasons why this type of surgery is performed each and every day. While some people become anxious at the very thought of surgery, it is a routine type of surgical procedure that is very often done as an outpatient treatment. Having said that it is worth considering the different kinds of modern anesthesia available for wisdom teeth surgery. We’ll take a look at these to help those who may be considering wisdom teeth surgery to understand their anesthesia options better.

In essence, there are three main types of anesthesia that are most frequently used when talking about wisdom teeth surgery.

Three Main Wisdom Teeth Removal Anesthesia Options

1. General anesthesia – This would be the same type of anesthesia that a patient would receive when having any other type of surgery throughout the body.
2. Sedation – This form of anesthesia is intended primarily to produce a semi-conscious state. The patient becomes groggy yet is not fully asleep. Sedation is administered by IV or through a needle.
3. Local anesthesia – This is the mildest form of anesthesia that a patient can receive when having wisdom teeth surgery. It is typically the type of anesthesia received when having a simple dental filling procedure performed.

See also: Wisdom teeth removal without sedation

Choosing Which Wisdom Teeth Removal Anesthesia Is Best

Generally speaking, with sedation and general anesthesia post-surgical recovery can be somewhat more difficult and perhaps even unpleasant simply because of the medications involved. Being aware of the minor discomfort associated with these two types of anesthesia options may have an impact on the patient’s decision when choosing anesthesia. Talking with your dental care provider, oral surgeon or orthodontist is the first step in making the best choice in this regard.

Unique and Different

Sedation and general anesthesia become more important especially if dealing with patients that may have some level of anxiety or fear associated with oral surgery. In fact, there are some cases where sedation or general anesthesia is necessary to perform a procedure successfully. It should also be noted that each patient’s situation is unique and different. This can have a direct bearing on the type of anesthesia selected.

Relieving Stress and to Some Degree Managing Anxiety

There are some cases a combination of more than one type of anesthesia may be the best choice. For example, local anesthesia that is precisely administered along with a dose of nitrous oxide can be very useful, precluding the necessity for general anesthesia. As a side benefit, nitrous oxide is often credited with relieving stress and to some degree managing anxiety. This is an important consideration for patients with serious anxiety issues.

Communicate with the Surgeon

From the oral surgeon’s perspective, sedation or general anesthesia is beneficial because it can speed up the entire surgical procedure. This is also worth considering because it can reduce the impact of surgery on the patient. When a patient is under general anesthesia or is sedated, they are also less likely to try to communicate with the surgeon thereby accelerating the procedure. Patients should note that insurance companies do not always cover general anesthesia or sedation. Insurance concerns alone could have a bearing on what type of anesthesia a patient ultimately chooses.

Opting For Wisdom Teeth Removal Anesthesia Combined With Nitrous Oxide

Also, nitrous oxide is most often not covered by insurance. That said, nitrous oxide costs a small fraction of what other types of general anesthesia and sedation would cost. Not surprisingly, many oral surgeons, dentists, and orthodontists are increasingly opting for local anesthesia combined with nitrous oxide. This seems to be the best balance for the patient and the dental care provider. At the end of the day, only the patient can decide which type of anesthesia they wish to have. While your dental care provider can make recommendations, it is up to you as far as what type of anesthesia you prefer.

Pain Management is Equally as Important

The good news is that wisdom teeth removal is a routine procedure with an incredibly high success rate. This means that regardless of what type of anesthesia is chosen, the procedure will likely be an overall success for the patient. As a final note, while anesthesia during surgery is essential, pain management is equally as important following surgery for at least the first 18 hours. This is another instance where talking with your dentist can help you in making the best choice regarding post-surgery pain management.

Favorite Music

There are tips that dental care providers offer patients who are preparing to have wisdom teeth removal surgery. For example, bringing along some music devices such as an iPod or MP3 player with your favorite music can provide a natural way to relax and reduce stress during the surgical procedure. Some patients may even find that meditation or other physical relaxation techniques can go a long way in making oral surgery of any kind less stressful and less likely to cause anxiety.

Improving Dental Health

Always keep in mind that having wisdom teeth removed is an important part of overall dental health. If your dental care provider recommends having your wisdom teeth extracted there is likely an excellent reason that will be discussed with you. Anesthesia options are just one part of the overall big picture when it comes to having wisdom teeth extracted. Wisdom tooth extraction should be viewed as a safe, reliable and dependable way of improving dental health for patients of almost any age. Talk with your dental care provider today to learn more about the anesthesia options associated with wisdom tooth extraction procedures.

Related articles:

• Bone Graft for Dental Implants: Understanding the Possibility
• Bone Graft: Materials, Cost, and Procedure
• Bone Augmentation For Dental Implants
• What is Alveoloplasty?
• Ridge Augmentation and Sinus Lift