My twenty-one year old daughter has an impacted wisdom tooth that is a bit under the bone. I am worried about this procedure and don’t want her in a ton of pain, but am also worried about the idea of her going under anesthesia. Is there a type of dental sedation that will work for her that is strong enough for her to not be in pain while still not being anesthesia? If that is the only option I’ll understand, but want to avoid it if I can.
Daphne
Dear Daphne,
I can tell that you are a good mother and are worried about your daughter. The good news is that she will not need to use general anesthesia. Nothing you have mentioned indicates there is anything overcomplicated about your daughter’s case. She is also at the perfect age for these extractions. Her bones will still be pliable. Plus, there will not be any cementum accumulation on the roots of her teeth. By the time she turns 30, her chances of complications will double. They’ll double again every few years.
To keep her out of any pain during the extractions, I recommend you see a dentist who offers sedation dentistry, specifically oral conscious sedation. This will be administered by a pill. However, it is STRONG. You, or someone else equally trustworthy, will need to drive her to and from her procedure as well as stay with her for several hours until she is lucid and steady on her feet.
I hope this helps to put your mind at ease. Doing the wisdom tooth extractions now will save a potential dental emergency from happening down the road when she will also be at a much greater risk for complications.
This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. James E. Williams.