Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically begin to develop and erupt during the late teenage years, often leading to a range of dental challenges. For many individuals, this eruption can be accompanied by significant pain, especially if the teeth become blocked or impacted.
The complications associated with wisdom teeth can include tooth crowding, cavities, gum disease, infections, cysts, and even tooth loss. Consequently, many dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth before they can negatively affect your oral health. But this too can hurt, and that causes anxiety in many patients.
It is common for dental patients to feel anxious about wisdom teeth extractions, However, with anesthesia and sedation dentistry , the actual extraction is not painful, and only mild to moderate pain is experienced after wisdom teeth extraction. This can be managed by pain management techniques.
How Sedation Helps with Extraction Anxiety
Whether you suffer from anxiety about the potential pain or complications of wisdom teeth extraction or about something else, sedation can help alleviate anxiety in many ways, including
· depressing the central nervous system to reduce fear and stress.
· relaxing you, which makes you less sensitive to pain and discomfort, more cooperative, and less likely to gag or suffer discomfort from sitting still during wisdom teeth extraction.
Sedation Options for Wisdom Teeth Extractions
There are three main types of sedation that are used to lessen the psychological and physical aspects of dental anxiety.
1. Oral Sedation
This involves taking a prescribed medication, such as Valium or Ativan, such as triazolam, giving to you at the dental office prior to your treatment
2. IV Sedation
This sedation is given at the dental clinic and provides deeper sedation than a sedative in pill form. You may not have any memory of the procedure.
3. Nitrous Oxide
Also known as laughing gas, this mild sedative is given to you through a mask before the wisdom teeth extraction. You will feel calm or slightly euphoric during the dental work.
Possible Side Effects
As with any medical treatment, all three sedation options may have side effects, and some of them include:
· drowsiness
· heaviness
· nausea
· headache
· low blood pressure
Nonetheless, many anxious patients feel that sedation dentistry is the best choice for them. Furthermore, it is considered a safe and acceptable practice by dental organizations around the world, including the British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).
Find Sedation Dentistry for Wisdom Teeth Extractions in Prince George
If you are experiencing pain from wisdom teeth or are preparing for a wisdom tooth extraction in Prince George, contact Wilczek Dental Group. we offer the safe wisdom tooth removal and sedation dentistry, ensuring your comfort throughout the process. Since 1984, we've taken a holistic, patient-centered approach to dental care, prioritizing your well-being every step of the way.