If you have been told that you will need to have an oral surgery procedure, like wisdom tooth extractions or dental implants, you may have a lot of questions. One of the most common concerns that patients have before a procedure is, will you be comfortable? The team at Jackson Oral Surgery in Metairie, LA, offers various sedation options to keep you at ease during your appointment. In our blog today, we’re here to talk about these sedation methods.
Times When Dental Sedation Is Necessary
Dental anesthesia can be a helpful way to reduce anxiety and keep you comfortable during oral surgery procedures. If you are undergoing more extensive treatment, like wisdom teeth extractions or dental implants, we may recommend a stronger sedative to ensure you are comfortable. Other times, a patient may be prescribed a calming agent to reduce anxiety. If you have severe dental anxiety and an upcoming appointment, we may prescribe oral sedation to help you relax. We will describe these anesthesia options and any pre- and postoperative care instructions before using them.
The Different Types And Their Uses
In our office, we offer three types of anesthesia for our patients depending on the type of treatment you will be receiving. The most common is nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas), which may be used for short or less invasive procedures. The nitrous oxide helps you feel relaxed and can wear off rapidly after the treatment. Longer procedures, like wisdom teeth extractions, may require IV sedation. With this type of anesthesia, you are in a dreamlike state. Lastly, you can take oral sedation in pill form before your procedure. This may be used to help reduce anxiety before a procedure.
Follow Instructions for Pre- and Post-Op Care
When it comes to using sedation for a procedure, it’s important to follow your team’s instructions precisely. Before the treatment, you should always check with your doctor to see when the last time you can eat or drink anything will be. Additionally, you should always have a trusted friend or family member drive you to the visit. Oral sedation is typically taken before your procedure, so a family member will need to drive you to the visit since you will not be fully aware of your surroundings. After a treatment, you will need someone available to drive you home, as the effects may not wear off immediately. If you have any questions about anesthesia, you can always get in touch with our team.
Ask Us About Our Sedation Option
Our goal during oral surgery is to keep you as comfortable as possible. If you have a procedure coming up soon, call the team at Jackson Oral Surgery in Metairie, LA, today at (504) 455-7161 to learn about your sedation options.