Surgical Extraction and Anesthesia
Tooth extraction is a procedure used to remove a tooth that cannot otherwise be restored to a healthy state. A surgical tooth extraction is performed to remove a tooth that is impacted below the gum tissue or within the jawbone but can also be used to extract a tooth that has broken at or below the gum line. Anesthesia is administered to prevent the patient from feeling any pain or discomfort during treatment, which we will review in this section.
Surgical Extraction and Anesthesia
There are several types of anesthesia available for dental work and the type that your doctor opts for is determined on a case-by-case basis. The most common anesthesia used for most dental procedures is a local anesthetic which is administered via injection directly to the area being worked on. Other types of anesthesia include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, or general anesthesia.
Local Anesthesia
Before administering a local anesthetic, a topical numbing agent is applied to the soft tissue to minimize the feel of the needle when it is inserted into the gum tissue. Local anesthesia numbs the entire area allowing your doctor to work without causing pain to the patient. You may still feel sensations such as pulling or tugging during an extraction but there should not be any pain. Local anesthesia is safe and effective with little risk of complication and wears off within about 3 to 4 hours.
Nitrous Oxide
Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous helps you feel relaxed during your procedure and is used in conjunction with a local anesthetic. Nitrous is a gas that is inhaled but does not put you to sleep and has a quick recovery time. Most patients are able to drive themselves home after recovering in the dental office for a bit.
Oral Sedation
This type of anesthesia is administered in pill form, taken 20 to 30 minutes before a procedure. It is also used alongside a local anesthetic and is utilized to help the patient feel more relaxed and calm during the procedure, it does not put the patient to sleep. Oral sedation is very beneficial to patients who have anxiety or other medical conditions that prevent them from holding still during treatment. Patients who utilize oral sedation will need to have someone drive them home after their procedure.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is reserved for patients who need to be asleep for their procedure. This is often used for patients with conditions that make it impossible for them to hold still, even with oral sedation. Very young patients or those with muscular conditions benefit from general anesthesia because it allows the doctor to work quickly and safely.
Your dental provider will determine the type of anesthesia that is best for your case. It will largely depend on the complexity of your extraction as well as your overall health and any underlying conditions. Make sure that you understand your anesthesia options and are comfortable with their selection, making any arrangements necessary to get home safely after your treatment.