Why Have Dental Sedation When You Have a Tooth Extracted?

Some people use local anesthesia when they have a tooth extracted. However, others prefer to have deeper sedation during this procedure. When is dental sedation a good option?

You're an Anxious Patient

Some people have strong anxieties about seeing their dentist. Even a simple check-up makes them nervous, and more invasive treatments can fill them with dread. Even if people aren't generally nervous about dental treatment, an extraction can trigger anxieties, especially if they've never had one before.

If you are anxious or stressed about an extraction, then dental sedation will help. Your dentist will deliver just the right amount of sedative to get you into a calm and relaxed state.

During this time, you can respond to your dentist; however, you aren't fully aware of what is going on. You won't feel any pain, discomfort, or anxiety. Many people come out of sedation without remembering anything about the procedure at all. This is the easiest way to deal with dental or extraction stress.

You Have a Strong Gag Reflex

Some people have a very sensitive gag reflex. They gag involuntarily whenever their dentist puts anything in their mouths. They can't easily control this reflex.

A strong gag reflex can cause problems during the tooth extraction process. Your dentist needs you to be calm and still during this procedure. It won't help if you gag every time they try to get near your tooth. You might find the whole process too difficult to cope with; your dentist might find it harder to extract the tooth.

If you have dental sedation, then even the strongest of gag reflexes tends to calm down. Your sedative prevents this kind of involuntary physical reaction. You'll be more comfortable during the procedure, and your dentist can work faster and more efficiently.

Your Extraction Is More Complex Than the Norm

Most tooth extraction procedures are relatively straightforward. An experienced dentist can take a tooth out fast and without too much fuss. However, some extractions are more complicated.

For example, wisdom teeth can take longer to extract. Teeth that are crooked or that are difficult to access also take more work.

Your dentist might need you to stay still during the extraction process. If you move around too much, as you might naturally do if you have to stay in the chair in the same position for a while, then your dentist might find it harder to extract the tooth.

In this case, dental sedation helps you stay still. You'll be so relaxed you won't need to move even if the extraction takes a little longer than usual.

To find out more about dental sedation, talk to your dentist.

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