Anesthesia Options in Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth often pose a problem for people. They don't come in at the same time, and many times, they do not grow correctly. This can lead to bite problems and infection. Gums can also become tender and swollen, and may even split around the teeth. The pain when this happens can be intolerable. When people start to experience pain due to incoming wisdom teeth, it's wise for them to discuss the possibility of minimally invasive wisdom teeth removal with a dentist in Bronx, NY.

Anesthesia for Wisdom Teeth Removal

When having wisdom teeth removed, many people fear the pain associated with it. Fortunately, this is not something people have to be concerned with because there are many anesthesia options available for them.

• Local Anesthesia. Patients remain completely conscious and aware of what is happening throughout the procedure. The local anesthesia is typically lidocaine, although this is typically just used for simple tooth removal procedures.
• Nitrous Oxide Sedation. Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and administered through a nasal apparatus. Patients typically remain conscious throughout the procedure. This option is both sedative and pain-controlling.
• Intravenous Anesthesia. These medications are administered through an IV line, and patients are typically asleep throughout the procedure. Common medications used intravenously are Fentanyl, Versed, and Ketamine. This can be a preferred option for patients with a high level of anxiety prior to the procedure.
• General Anesthesia. This option requires admission to a hospital and is administered by an anesthesiologist. This is more common for patients undergoing more extensive procedures, such as jaw reconstruction or TMJ surgery. If other health problems are pre-existing (such as heart or lung disease) then this may be a preferred option.

For More Information about Your Anesthesia Options, Contact Montefiore Dental Today.

The stigma of painful and invasive oral surgery for wisdom teeth removal is now a thing of the past. Consider your own preferred manner of anesthesia and then discuss all of your options with a dentist in Bronx, NY to get a better understanding of the procedure.