Tooth removed 'under sedation'

[Sasha13]

Hi all. Some time ago I had a tooth removed under local anaesthetic. Wasn't particularly nice, but wasn't all that bad. I've now been told I've got to have another one taken out 'under sedation' as it's broken off so isn't a simple job.

Is sedation the same as a general anaesthetic? I've never had anything other than a local, I don't know what to expect and I'm a bit nervous! Can anyone tell me what it involves?

Thanks

[PatriciaH]

You wont remember anything that the dentist does - i always have it cos im a coward at the dentist ..lol

[PatriciaH]

Sorry forgot to say its an injection

[weeal]

If its general anaesthetic you wont feel or remember a thing, it may just make you groggy for a bit afterwards. They usually give you a jab in the back of the hand and your 'out' within about 10 seconds.

[Sasha13]

OK, that doesn't sound too bad!! I guess having never been put to sleep before I've listened too much to all the horror stories!!!

[weeal]

I normally wake up on another planet lol

[jno]

you're not necessarily completely unconscious - when I've had it I'm just awake enough to respond to orders to open wider etc... but I haven't felt a thing and half an hour seems to go by in about 3 minutes. But you'll probably need someone else to get you home.

[jen78]

Are they just sedating you or knocking you out?

I had a general when my wisdom teeth taken out and was out completely.

I had sedation for a colonoscopy and camera down throat scan and was awake but just kinda of dozy and woozy.

Both were fine.

[Sasha13]

They have said it's sedation.

The thing that bothers me is that I'm still going to be awake (and therefore able to feel pain) but not awake enough to articulate it!!!

[Jugglering]

Local anaesthetic - numbs the area involved ie locally blocks nerves in that area from feeling anything

General anaesthetic - your whole body and brain is sent off to the land of nod....

Sedation - neither of the above, though with a tooth extraction you'd probably have a local as well.... It just will make you feel calm and chilled out and not too worried about anything. It's often given prior to an anaesthetic so you don't get worried about the op itself... I guess the reason the dental surgeon has suggested sedation is simply because you get so worried...well, with sedation you won't be worried at all. You will be conscious but not fit for driving or work.

[naflharrison]

sedation is fantastic, i have it everytime and cant remember anything after the injection to be sedated. you are mentally away but as far as you are concerned you will be asleep, you wont feel any pain whatsoever so go for it! dont try to drive yourself home after tho, not possible!

[Aprilis]

Sedation is similar to a general anaesthetic in that you will be entirely unaware of anything that's happening. But, unlike a GA, you will be able to respond to any instructions given by your dentist. You won't feel or remember anything and you've nothing to worry about. You may be sore after the sedation has worn off but your dentist will prescribe any necessary pain relief you may require.

Some years ago I had an apicectomy done under sedation. I felt no pain during surgery and had no recollection of anything at all. In fact I felt strangely as though time had stood still. No sooner did it seem I'd gone in for the surgery than I was back out again and it was all done just as though no time had elapsed!