Extraction of teeth for someone terrified of dentists

Lisa78

I've searched and couldn't find this anywhere. Apologies if I've missed it. I just wanted to find out about sedation/ anaesthetic during an extraction. My husband is terrified of dentists after an awful experience a few years ago, but bits of his teeth are breaking off now, they are so decayed. He really needs to get something done.
They only way he'll consider getting them extracted is if he's knocked out completely. I can't find anything about whether this is done anywhere. Does anyone know is this possible? And if you know of anywhere that does it (Dublin, Meath, Louth areas), I'd appreciate a PM.
From what I understand of sedation, it won't work on him, but maybe there are different types. He had to take medication for years for anxiety so benzodiazepines don't have an effect on him anymore.
I want to get him in somewhere for a consultation at least, but even that is a huge step, so if I can give him a bit of information beforehand, it might help.
Thanks

TheBoffin

I am the same and the best way to get it done is using Gas.

Every dentist has come across patients that are terrified and most of them offer gas sedation which is great.

The dentist will pop a small mask around your husbands nose and then after the gas takes effect, give an injection to numb the area. After 5 mins of the gas being used he wont care whats going on in his mouth not to mention even aware that he has a mouth.

Just a word of warning, after the procedure it will be like having an infant in an adults body for about an hour.

On a serious note, its the best way to go for an extraction if you are any way terrified of dentists.

TheBoffin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgB2ziyAteI

btkm8unsl0w5r4

Some form of sedation is a good idea, in order of strength
1. Oral Sedation (tablets)
2. Laughing Gas.
3. IV sedation.
4. General Anaesthetic

While dental fear is common, what is more terrifying is the costs of a general anaesthetic. You can often pay up to 2,000 euro for a GA. IV sedation and below is much more viable option.

Oral Surgeon

TheBoffin wrote: »

I am the same and the best way to get it done is using Gas.

Every dentist has come across patients that are terrified and most of them offer gas sedation which is great.

The dentist will pop a small mask around your husbands nose and then after the gas takes effect, give an injection to numb the area. After 5 mins of the gas being used he wont care whats going on in his mouth not to mention even aware that he has a mouth.

Just a word of warning, after the procedure it will be like having an infant in an adults body for about an hour.

On a serious note, its the best way to go for an extraction if you are any way terrified of dentists.

I've used all types of sedation and can say without doubt that iv sedation is by far the most effective and as fitzgeme says is far cheaper than GA. I've yet to find an adult who can't have extractions under iv sedation comfortably (as long as they are medically well for iv sedation etc etc.....)

Boulevardier

I had a toth pulled yesterday. I was very fearful for several days before.

I considered taking Xanax before I went, but was advided by a friend that that could complicate the anaesthetic.

I was not offered gas or sedation, but I had 3 gum-jabs and they certainly did the trick - I had a very stubborn tooth removed with 0 pain.

Not all dentists are "licenced" to administer sedation, so you may want to check that point with the dentist in advance.

Right now I am feeling a bit below par, probably because of infection or the antibiotics I was given.

Lisa78

Thanks so much for the replies.
I wasn't sure about the IV sedation because of his tolerance for benzos, so it's great to know it's that much stronger.
His fear wasn't helped by the fact that when he went for a colonoscopy and endoscopy and was told he'd be completely out of it, he was given an injection of 5 mg diazapem and was completely aware during the whole thing!
I think he has it in his head it will be like that for an extraction, but thanks a million for the different suggestions. I have a bit more info to persuade him with :-)