Anesthesia and Wisdom Teeth Removal: What You Need to Know

Anesthesia and Wisdom Teeth Removal: What You Need to Know

If you’ll be having your wisdom teeth extracted soon, anesthesia is a subject you’ll need to know about. Your Indianapolis oral surgeon is sure to make recommendations as to what sort of anesthesia would be best for your procedure, but your personal preferences will also be part of the decision making process. Knowing the options available and what you can expect from each one can help you choose the one that will best ensure your comfort during wisdom teeth removal.

LOCAL ANESTHESIA

Local anesthesia blocks pain by means of one or more injections near the extraction site or sites. You will be awake and aware during your procedure, and will likely feel some pressure and movement as your wisdom teeth are removed, but you should not experience pain. Local anesthesia is often recommended when the extraction is expected to be fairly quick and routine. Generally, patients who receive local anesthesia are able to function normally after surgery and are capable of safely driving themselves home.

IV SEDATION

If you tend to be anxious or fearful during dental procedures or your wisdom teeth removal will be more complex, your oral surgeon may suggest IV sedation, delivered through an intravenous line in your arm. Generally, local anesthesia is administered as well to ensure a pain free experience. With IV sedation, patients usually fall asleep and are completely unaware of the procedure as it occurs. Patients who have this type of anesthesia are typically lightheaded and groggy for a few hours afterwards, so if you go with IV sedation, make sure you make arrangements for transportation home after your procedure.

GENERAL ANESTHESIA

General anesthesia isn’t as commonly used in wisdom teeth removal as IV sedation, but may be suggested in some cases. Typically administered through inhalation, general anesthesia renders a patient unconscious. Vital signs are carefully monitored to ensure patient safety throughout the procedure. Patients who have general anesthesia will feel the affects of the medication for several hours after surgery, which may include dizziness, sleepiness, nausea and weakness. If general anesthesia is used in your procedure, you’ll need someone to drive you home, and it might not be a bad idea to have someone stay with you at home for at least a few hours, until you’re feeling yourself again.

To ensure a comfortable and pain free experience, anesthesia and wisdom teeth removal go hand-in-hand. Which of these forms of anesthesia is best for you is a decision that must be made with the input of your Indianapolis oral surgeon, who is familiar with your individual circumstances. The goal of anesthesia to make your experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or voice your concerns as decisions are made. If you tend to be anxious in the dental chair or have an especially low tolerance for pain, be sure to say so, since these factors will certainly influence your surgeon’s recommendations.