Expert: Steven C. Scherr, D.D.S. - 5/17/2006

Question
Hi, I am 16 and still have my four wisdom teeth, the two bottom ones are gorwing in crocked the right bottom one is growing more crocked then the left bottom one the two top are growing stright. I plan to have them all removed later this year the soonest would be october money wise as we can't afford dental insuarance and problay couldnt get it anyways. THe detist I got my mum to call today said that they wouldnt put my asleep but would do sadation dentistry, I am a bit iffy because A' I hate densits... no offance intended, and B' I hate needles. I usedstadn they give you pills but still need to numb your mouth, I am very owrried about having it done but it would be cheaper to have sadation done instead of being fully put to sleep at the time. I was wondering if you could tell me if I would feel anything during this surgery? what would I feel like at the time? would i be "spaced out" or asleep? would I see and hear everything?


please get back to me when you have the time thanks.

Answer
Tara,

There are two types of sedation dentistry.  One uses a sedative pill, and the other uses an IV needle placed in the arm.  With sedative pills, you are likely to be aware of what is being done.  On the other hand, IV sedation will provide essentialy the same experience as if you were asleep, except it is much safer.  IV sedation is used most often for the removal of wisdom teeth.

I would suggest you or your mom inquire about the type of sedation being offerred.  Many oral surgeons and dentists will meet with you for a consultation visit prior to scheduling the surgery in order to evaluate the wisdom teeth, review options, and answer your questions.

Tara, I wish you all the best.

Steve