The dreaded wisdom teeth removal… it’s in the back of everyone’s mind. The viral videos of loopy patients and pain-filled recoveries are all too common. Fortunately, the “Youtube phenomenon” is rarely what our patient’s experience here at Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta.
This is because the doctors and team at Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta are seasoned pros when it comes to wisdom teeth removal and sedation options for patients. We are happy to walk you through the ins and outs of surgery before, during, and after your treatment.
Since most everyone has to have their wisdom teeth removed, our surgeons work hard to make this process as painless as possible. Several pain-reducing techniques are offered during surgery. Some of these techniques include:
Local anesthesia: this consists of a numbing injection which is typically performed after the gum is numbed by a numbing gel in order to eliminate pain from the surgical site. All of our surgical procedures require local anesthesia, but if you are being sedated this is done after the patient is asleep.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation: this is commonly referred to as “laughing gas”, and this is done to reduce pain and anxiety for patients who elect to stay awake during their surgery. Not every procedure is eligible for this level of sedation but when it is indicated it is proven to be highly effective.
And lastly:
General anesthesia/Intravenous Sedation: this type of anesthesia is completed by starting an IV line in the patient’s arm, and allows the patient to stay asleep throughout the procedure for a painless wisdom tooth extraction surgery experience.
What makes IV sedation so popular when removing wisdom teeth?
When a patient is sedated with the use of an IV, they are still safely breathing on their own, however, they are asleep and will not have much if any memory of their surgery.
It also works incredibly quickly and maintains its deeply relaxed state throughout the procedure. Because of the effects it creates on the body and brain, this technique is incredibly successful.
After the procedure, slight “grogginess” or “sleepiness” for a few hours after surgery are typically the primary after effects.
How to prepare for IV sedation before your oral surgery appointment
Fast prior to the surgery! Do not eat or drink for 6 hours before the appointment check-in time (this includes water).
Continue regularly prescribed medications! It is ok to take your regular morning medications with a small sip of water unless otherwise instructed not to do so. If you are unsure about taking something, it is always a good idea to contact our office first.
Do not drive yourself! Ask a responsible adult to drive you to your appointment, they must stay at the office for the duration of the appointment, and be able to drive you home following your procedure.
Clothing matters! Wear loose-fitting clothing that provides as much comfort as possible. Wear a short sleeved tshirt, and close-toed shoes that allow support, comfort, and safety.
No substances! Do not drink alcohol or smoke at least 24 hours before the appointment.
Avoid the bling! Do not wear jewelry or flashy nail polish during the procedure.
Have patience! Prepare to wait, as surgeries and dental procedures can sometimes take longer than anticipated. Our oral surgeons of Atlanta and team do their best to keep on schedule.
Any dental procedure can be nerve wracking. Wisdom tooth removal can be especially stressful. However, modern medicine and sedation methods have greatly improved the experience.
Our surgeons advanced training in various sedation options are especially helpful when it comes to planning your surgery. We spend dedicated time at our consultation appointments to help you navigate this process and specifically design a customized treatment plan to determine the most ideal strategy for successful surgery for each individual.
It is definitely something to be considered when it's you or a loved one's turn to get your wisdom teeth out.
Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta look forward to caring for you soon!
We know the idea of oral surgery can be anxiety provoking. However, our hope is that through this blog and by gathering more information from our team and oral surgeons, we can ease any fear you may have.
Call our office today at 470-427-2854 to schedule your appointment for a thorough consultation regarding your wisdom teeth extraction and IV sedation options.
Resources:
1) https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/wisdom-tooth-extraction/about/pac-20395268
2) https://www.healthline.com/health/wisdom-teeth-recovery
3) https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/wisdom-teeth
4) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0278239113004205
