Sleep dentistry for wisdom teeth removal: Is It Better To Be Put To Sleep For Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Are you feeling nervous about your upcoming wisdom teeth removal? You’re not alone! Many patients will typically get anxious about the procedure, seeking ways to alleviate their fear or anxiety.

A common question that some usually ask is, “Should I be put to sleep for the procedure?” This concern is entirely valid, as the thought of undergoing oral surgery can be daunting for many.

In this article, we’ll dive deeper into the options available for sedation during wisdom teeth extraction, helping you make an informed decision that best suits your needs and comfort level.

Book Online Now

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last teeth to develop in the human mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each quadrant of the mouth, two in the upper jaw and two in the lower jaw. They typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. However, the timing of their emergence can vary widely from person to person. Some people may have their wisdom teeth come in earlier or later than this range, while others may not develop them at all.

The term “wisdom tooth” originates from the fact that these teeth generally appear during late adolescence or early adulthood, when individuals are believed to acquire greater wisdom.

Your Brisbane Dentist or oral surgeon may decide to have your wisdom teeth removed due to several reasons.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth: A wisdom tooth can be completely bony, meaning that the tooth is fully encased in bone and has not erupted through the gums. Wisdom teeth may become impacted if they don’t have enough space to emerge properly. An impacted wisdom tooth may cause pain, swelling, and infection in the surrounding gum tissue.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth: A wisdom tooth can be completely bony, meaning that the tooth is fully encased in bone and has not erupted through the gums. Wisdom teeth may become impacted if they don’t have enough space to emerge properly. An impacted wisdom tooth may cause pain, swelling, and infection in the surrounding gum tissue.

Crowding: If there isn’t enough space in the jaw, wisdom teeth can cause crowding of adjacent teeth, leading to misalignment or shifting of other teeth in the mouth.

Infection or Gum Disease: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create an opening in the gums, making it difficult to clean and allowing bacteria to accumulate, potentially leading to infection or gum disease.

Damage to Neighbouring Teeth: Wisdom teeth can push against the second molars, causing other dental problems like tooth decay, periodontal disease, or bone loss in the neighbouring teeth due to the pressure and bacteria buildup.

Cysts or Tumours: In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth can form cysts or tumours around the tooth, damaging the jawbone and other surrounding structures.

Several anesthesia and sedation options are available for wisdom tooth extraction, each with advantages and limitations.

Here are the most common options, which your dentist or oral surgeon may use individually or in combination depending on your needs, pain tolerance, and the complexity of the procedure.

Book Online Now

Local anaesthesia involves injecting a numbing agent directly into the area surrounding the tooth being extracted. The local anaesthetic can effectively numb the area, ensuring the patient does not feel pain during the procedure, and it will typically be used for simple procedures. The patient remains fully awake, conscious, and aware of the sounds and sensations with a local anaesthetic but will not feel pain or discomfort.

General anaesthesia renders the patient completely asleep and unconscious for the duration of the procedure; therefore, the patient will not feel any pain or discomfort. General anaesthesia is typically reserved for more complicated cases or patients with extreme anxiety or special needs.

General anaesthesia requires the presence of an anaesthesiologist to monitor the patient’s vital signs throughout wisdom teeth surgery.

Under several circumstances, dentists may not recommend general anaesthesia for your wisdom teeth removal.

General anaesthesia for wisdom tooth removal is not for everyone. Discussing your options, medical history, and concerns with your dentist, who will help determine the most appropriate form of anaesthesia for your specific needs, is essential.

Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as heart or lung problems, uncontrolled diabetes, obesity, or sleep apnea, may increase the risk of complications associated with general anaesthesia. In these cases, dentists may recommend alternative sedation methods to minimize risks.

Low Complexity: If your wisdom teeth extraction is expected to be relatively simple, your dentist may recommend other forms of sedation or local anaesthesia instead, as general anaesthesia might be unnecessary in such cases.

Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as heart or lung problems, uncontrolled diabetes, obesity, or sleep apnea, may increase the risk of complications associated with general anaesthesia. In these cases, dentists may recommend alternative sedation methods to minimize risks.

Allergies or Sensitivities: If you have a history of allergies or sensitivities to medications commonly used in general anaesthesia, dentists may advise against its use to prevent potential adverse reactions.

Pregnancy: Pregnant patients are typically advised to avoid general anaesthesia unless necessary, as there may be risks to both the mother and the fetus. In such cases, the dentist may recommend delaying the procedure or opting for a different sedation method.

Attention: After general anaesthesia, you will likely feel drowsy and disoriented for several hours. Therefore, driving a car, operating heavy machinery, or making important decisions is unsafe until the effects of anaesthesia wear off completely.

Attention: After general anaesthesia, you will likely feel drowsy and disoriented for several hours. Therefore, driving a car, operating heavy machinery, or making important decisions is unsafe until the effects of anaesthesia wear off completely.

Nitrous oxide is an inhaled sedative that helps patients relax during the procedure. Combined with local anaesthesia, it can create a more comfortable experience for the patient.

The effects of nitrous oxide are short-lived, allowing patients to recover quickly once the gas is no longer being administered. Laughing gas may be recommended for a less complicated wisdom teeth extraction.

Book Online Now

Oral sedation involves taking prescription medication before the procedure. The oral medication helps patients feel more relaxed and may cause drowsiness, but they remain awake and conscious during the extraction.

Oral sedation involves taking prescription medication before the procedure. The oral medication helps patients feel more relaxed and may cause drowsiness, but they remain awake and conscious during the extraction.

IV sedation is administered through a vein, allowing the sedative to take effect quickly. This type of sedation is also known as “twilight sleep” or “conscious sedation,” as patients are not completely unconscious but may have little to no memory of the procedure. The level of sedation can be adjusted by the dental professional as needed throughout the procedure.

Please remember that each anaesthesia and sedation option has its own risks and benefits.

The appropriate method depends on factors such as the patient’s medical history, pain tolerance, anxiety level, and the complexity of the extraction. Discussing these options with your dental professional is crucial, who will help determine the best course of action for your situation.

There are several advantages to being put to sleep or losing consciousness during wisdom teeth removal.

One significant advantage of being put to sleep and losing consciousness for wisdom teeth removal is the reduction of anxiety and discomfort. Many people feel nervous or apprehensive about a surgical procedure. Anesthesia helps alleviate these feelings, allowing the patient to remain calm and relaxed throughout the procedure.

Another benefit of being put to sleep is that people have no memory of the procedure. This can be particularly appealing for those who fear dental treatments or find the idea of surgery distressing. People can avoid the stress and anxiety associated with recalling the experience by being unconscious during the procedure.

Putting people to sleep during wisdom teeth removal makes it easier for the dentist or oral surgeon to work. When a person is unconscious and not moving the dental professional can focus on the procedure without worrying about the patient’s comfort or reaction to the surgery. This can result in a more efficient and successful outcome, with fewer complications or interruptions.