Everything You Need to Know About Dental Anesthesia

Dental procedures can be daunting for many Escondido residents, especially if they involve drilling, filling, or other invasive treatments like impacted wisdom tooth extraction. Fortunately, dental anesthesia can help alleviate pain and discomfort during these procedures. 

There are several types of anesthetics available, each with its unique features and benefits. In the following blog, we’ll explore all of them in detail, so you can make an informed decision about which option is most suitable for your dental treatment, as well as for your comfort level.

What is dental anesthesia?

There are a number of medications that can be administered during a dental procedure to help provide relaxation and comfort. The effects of some medications range from relaxing the body to reducing anxiety, while others relieve pain. You can take them orally, topically, inject them, or inhale them. However, you and your dentist will discuss your options based on the procedure you need, your medical and allergy history, the duration of the procedure, and the extent of your dental anxiety.

What are the types of dental anesthetics?

Anesthesia is tailored to each patient and procedure, often including several medications. Here are 3 main forms of anesthesia:

1. Local anesthesia

A local anesthetic is often used during routine procedures, which are generally shorter and do not involve complications. This type of anesthesia numbs the treated area, allowing the patient to stay awake and interact with the dentist. 

Local anesthesia  will prevent you from experiencing pain or discomfort. The effects are usually short-lived, lasting for about an hour.

2. Sedation

Sedation is an option for many dental procedures. It’s used to treat dental anxiety, minimize pain, and keep patients still – most commonly children – while undergoing dental treatments. 

There are three levels of sedation: mild, with you still conscious and responsive; moderate, a stage in which you are only partially conscious; or deep, which places you in a deep sleep and prevents any discomfort during the procedure. In addition to being taken orally, it can also be inhaled, injected, or given intravenously. A few commonly used medications for sedation are diazepam, midazolam, propofol, and nitrous oxide.

3. General anesthesia

Often, general anesthesia is used for more complex dental procedures, such as oral surgery. By leaving the patient completely unconscious, all muscles are relaxed, pain is eliminated, and no memories are left behind. The medicine is either inhaled through a breathing mask or administered through an IV. Among the most commonly administered anesthetics are ketamine, diazepam, propofol, nitrous oxide, desflurane, isoflurane, sevoflurane, etc.

What are the side effects of dental anesthesia? 

As with many medications, anesthesia can cause side effects depending on the type. There are typically a few possible side effects associated with sedation or general anesthesia:

• Confusion and dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Numbness
• Irritation or pain around the injection site
• A sweaty or shivering sensation

Where can I get safe impacted wisdom tooth extraction in Escondido?

We understand how intimidating emergency tooth extractions may seem, which is exactly why Temecula Dental Oral Surgery is the place to turn to. Our goal is to provide you with a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience in Escondido. We offer everything from quality dental X-rays, comprehensive evaluation of your condition, and well-timed anesthesia to detailed post-operative care at affordable, competitive rates. What’s best, you can count on different financing and payment plans to make wisdom removal surgery even more convenient. 

You can trust Dr. Tsvetov to strike the perfect balance between dispelling your fear and bringing back your smile. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment!