Most people like the idea of going through a tooth extraction with a happy-go-lucky outlook that only sedation can give but getting sedation isn’t always cut and dry. It’s something to think about ahead of getting a tooth or teeth pulled.
In the end, whether or not to get sedation for a tooth extraction is a personal choice and you should do whatever makes you feel most comfortable. Your dentist can advise you but won’t push you either way.
Some factors that go into your decision are transportation, work or school schedules, cost, health, and whether you truly need sedation. Let’s look at each of those.
Transportation
Those who get sedation for any kind of dental procedure can’t drive themselves home. It leaves you feeling sleepy and a bit unresponsive so you will need someone to drive you home. You can take a taxi or public transportation as your thinking won’t be terribly inhibited but those may not be the safest options.
Talk to friends or family to see if you have a volunteer driver before you agree to sedation.
Work or School Schedules
Sedation will keep you out of work or school for the day you get it. However, you should be able to return to either the next day. There are some who don’t feel well enough to get back into their routine for a couple of days after sedation. Those with demanding schedules may want to opt out of sedation. Dentists use a local anesthetic for tooth extractions to numb pain but that will not have any lasting effects on your thinking so you could go back to work or school afterward.
Cost
Dentists charge more for sedation. The cost depends on the type you get. Dental sedation comes in three forms that include nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas; an oral version in a pill; and in an IV. All three leave you in a twilight state, although the IV may cause you to dose off more than the other types.
Nitrous oxide cost ranges from $35 to around $200 while the IV starts around $260 and can go up to $400. The cost of the pill falls between the gas and the IV.
Some people don’t see the benefit of paying additionally for sedation if they are having one tooth pulled while the extra cost may be worth it if they are having extensive procedures done.
Health
A dentist will evaluate your overall health before recommending sedation or the type of sedation. Some people may have allergies or other health issues preventing them from getting dentistry sedation. Others are concerned about side effects. While side effects are mild or non-existent, some feel nausea or dizziness after sedation.
Do You Need It?
Sedation is necessary for some people with high anxiety or people with special needs. These are people who may move during the extraction, causing injury to themselves, the dentist, or the staff. Most people don’t fall into this extreme category.
Whether or not you get sedation during extractions may depend on the extent of the procedure. Those having one tooth pulled may be able to handle the procedure without sedation. One tooth extraction can be done in under 30 minutes and a local anesthetic numbs the area completely so you don’t feel pain. You will feel some discomfort a few hours later but sedation won’t help alleviate that. You will ease that pain with medication prescribed by the dentist or with over-the-counter medication.
Those who are getting multiple teeth pulled may need sedation if the procedure is going to be long or complicated. Some can handle multiple extractions without sedation while others may get agitated or fidgetly. For instance, removing an impacted wisdom tooth may be a lengthy procedure so sedation may be helpful.
You need to be your own best judge of when you need sedation depending on your anxiety level and tolerance for sitting through a procedure without moving. Talk to your dentist about the length of the procedure and what is involved to determine if sedation is right for you.
Call us with any questions about sedation or make an appointment for an evaluation online. We love to make you comfortable with your procedure.
