Are You Awake During Wisdom Teeth Removal? (2024)

FAQs

Are You Awake During Wisdom Teeth Removal? ›

You will be fully awake during your procedure but you won't be able to feel any pain. You may feel some pressure but it shouldn't hurt. When you get local anesthesia, you will get an injection (or several) in the gum around the tooth.

Your dentist or oral surgeon gives local anesthesia with one or more shots near where the wisdom tooth is being removed. Before you get a shot, your dentist or surgeon likely will apply a medicine to your gums that will make the injection more comfortable. You're awake during the tooth removal.

You may or may not wake up spilling your secrets – You've no doubt seen videos of teens post- wisdom tooth surgery acting silly or out of it. However, although many people have been told that you will wake up after surgery being unable to control what you say, this is not always true.

General anesthesia used for wisdom teeth removal, where the patient is put to sleep during the procedure, takes about 45 minutes to an hour to wear off. During this time, you might feel sleepy or confused, this is why we strongly suggest that the patient have a designated driver or scheduled transportation.

Even with that considered, having wisdom teeth removed while you are awake should not be painful. You will feel the injection, and it feels no different than any other shot. Generally speaking, you will deal more with fear and anxiety than actual pain. You may feel some pressure and pinching but minimal pain.

Most upper wisdom teeth can be removed easily under a local anaesthetic. Lower wisdom teeth can be more difficult to remove. Removing a wisdom tooth can involve cutting the gum to uncover your tooth, removing bone around your tooth and dividing your tooth with a drill.

Mild to moderate pain is normal for 3-4 days after your wisdom teeth are removed. An ice pack or a bag of frozen peas held to your cheek may ease your pain and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with pain and discomfort.

Ask a trusted person to drive you home from the procedure who understands that your behavior is out of your control while you recover. Give yourself plenty of time to recover on the day of the procedure. Rest and stay in a quiet and calm environment. Avoid alcohol for 1 to 2 days after the procedure.

Anesthesia won't make you confess your deepest secrets

It's normal to feel relaxed while receiving anesthesia, but most people don't say anything unusual.

(But it also doesn't mean you won't!) While the silly stories are out there, most patients won't be confessing their secret fantasies or dark secrets under the influence of IV sedation. Instead, they'll be relaxing in the chair, unaware of the dental procedures they were once terrified to face.

Is it normal to cry after wisdom teeth removal? ›

Emotional behavior and crying immediately after awakening is very common. Please do not be alarmed. This normal side effect of anesthesia is only temporary and has no long lasting effects.

It is fine to take a shower after having wisdom teeth removed. Keep in mind that you might not be taking normal nourishment, so be careful when going from a laying down to a standing up position to avoid lightheadedness. Otherwise, you can shower and get up to stretch as you are feeling up to it.

When your anesthesia wears off, you may be in some pain – and any discomfort can hinder your efforts to fall asleep. Don't try to tough it out. Instead, set yourself up for a good night's sleep by taking your pain medication as directed by your oral surgeon.

Wisdom teeth removal is a complex surgical procedure that can take an hour or more, so we recommend IV sedation or general anesthesia to help you feel comfortable at all times.

There may be some fear and anxiety when people are considering surgically removing impacted wisdom teeth. Fortunately, IV sedation can ensure wisdom tooth removal patients can experience a pain-free process to ease any anxiety. IV sedation gives patients a high level of relaxation and pain reduction.

Getting wisdom teeth removed without being put under!

For most patients, a well administered local anesthesia is just enough to numb a patient well enough such that She/he would not feel any pain while the Dentists pull the wisdom teeth. Patients can drive themselves home after the procedure.

After wisdom teeth extraction, you need to sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights. A single pillow should suffice when you're sleeping on your side. If you're having trouble falling asleep in that position, pile a few pillows behind you for support and lean back.

General anesthesia is the most common type of sedation used for tooth extraction. The dentist will inject you with a drug that makes you unconscious and then give you oxygen to help you breathe. You'll be asleep and unable to feel pain during the procedure.

Home Instructions After Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Please make sure someone stays with you for at least the first 4 hours after you arrive home. If you suddenly stand from a lying position, you may become dizzy or nauseated. You will need someone to watch you carefully during the transition period after surgery.

On the second day after having your wisdom teeth removed, you may notice a gradual improvement in your ability to talk more comfortably. It's important, though, to continue to be cautious and avoid overexertion. Stick to soft foods and maintain good oral hygiene practices to support the healing of the surgical areas.