Many dental surgeries, such as implant surgery and wisdom tooth extraction, can be performed with you awake and under a local anesthetic to hide the pain. However, your dentist will likely give you the option of being lightly sedated for the surgery, too. This is usually done by way of an inhaled sedative, like laughing gas, or an oral sedative. So, should you opt for sedatives during your dental surgery? In most cases, it is not essential, but sedation does definitely come with some stark benefits.
You won't feel as anxious.
If you have dental anxiety, you may be really anxious and uncomfortable in the days leading up to dental surgery. You don't want to also be shaking in your boots while you're sitting on the dental chair! Sedation can ensure that does not happen. Even if you are anxious beforehand, the sedative can calm you down once you are there. Knowing that you'll be sedated during the procedure can also help you feel more comfortable as you prepare for surgery.
The sensations won't bother you as much.
The local anesthetic will keep you from feeling any pain as your dentist makes incisions and performs other technical aspects of surgery. However, you may still feel some pressure when they use certain tools. You may also have some discomfort from holding your jaw open. Sedation won't erase these sensations, but it will make them less bothersome. You'll probably still feel them, but you'll be able to shrug them off and not care, which will make the surgery more tolerable.
You won't move as much.
Since you won't be as anxious and you won't be bothered by the sensations, you will likely stay pretty still during the dental surgery. This will make it easier for your dental surgeon to do their job. It may also mean they are able to perform the surgery faster, which could mean less bleeding and discomfort when you recover. This is one reason why dentists sometimes recommend sedation even for surgeries that are not terribly long or invasive. You're an easier patient for them to work on if you choose sedation!
Keep in mind that in most cases, sedation won't make you unconscious. It will just take the edge off and ease things up. If you have any level of dental anxiety, are worried about feeling odd sensations, or think you may be tempted to move a lot during the surgery, sedation is worthwhile.
For more information, visit a dental surgery clinic to talk to a professional.
