When your dentist recommends a tooth extraction and implant, you may wonder about the discomfort of the process. If you've been struggling with a lot of anxiety about the situation, you should talk to your dentist about the options available to you for sedation. There are many choices that you can consider depending on your needs. Here are a few of the sedation options you should talk with your dentist about.

Oral Medications

Oral sedation is a common choice for patients who struggle with anxiety about even going to the dentist. The medication used for this is typically the same type that's prescribed to help manage insomnia symptoms. If your dentist prescribes something like this, you'll take the medication shortly before your appointment so that it has time to take effect. These medications are usually short-acting, so your dentist will only recommend it for procedures like the extraction process, because that is a short procedure. If you take a medication like this before your appointment, you'll need someone to drive you there and home.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is administered through a small breathing mask placed over your nose. It's a mild analgesic that is designed to help soothe anxieties and help you relax during treatment. This is typically used for shorter procedures, including things like the extraction and placing the crown over the implant.

One of the benefits of nitrous oxide is that it won't irritate your respiratory system. It also has no flavor or odor, so it shouldn't leave you feeling uncomfortable. You'll experience a bit of lightheaded or dizzy feelings and may even find that it makes you giggle or more prone to laughter.

Conscious Sedative Treatment

When you have a more complex type of extraction or implant, your dentist may suggest a conscious sedation option instead of some of the others. This type of sedation allows you to feel more comfortable and relaxed during the process without losing your ability to respond to the dentist if he or she has any questions or concerns.

During this type of treatment, you'll receive a regulated amount of sedative throughout your entire treatment. The amount will be controlled to keep you comfortable without actually leaving you unconscious. It's usually administered intravenously, and it requires consistent monitoring of your heart rate and respiration during the process.

Once you've been treated with the sedative, your dentist will then inject local anesthetic around the gum area where the work will be done. In most situations, the sedative you received will limit your recognition of the anesthetic injection. Another benefit of conscious sedation is the fact that you won't typically remember the procedure when it's over. This type of sedation is often recommended when you're expected to have a lengthy implant procedure or your dentist has reason to suspect complications.

General Anesthetic

In the case of an extraction or implant that's likely to take several hours or may be complex due to other dental issues, your dentist may suggest that you have general anesthesia before the procedure. This type of anesthesia isn't common, as it requires that you have it done in a hospital where you can be under equipment monitoring.

One of the most common reasons for general anesthesia during implant surgery is if you require a bone graft to build your jawbone up enough to hold the implant. In this type of situation, you can expect to be in the hospital for most of the day because you'll need to be monitored until you're fully awake and recovering.

If you've been putting off that dental implant surgery your dentist recommends simply because you're afraid of the procedure, talk with him or her about your options for sedation. With these treatment options available to you, there's sure to be something that will help you get through the extraction and implant process comfortably. For more information, contact a dental office like Gordon Dental.