It is normal to feel a little nervous when you are due for a surgical procedure to remove your wisdom teeth. Let us explore how anesthesia makes it easier to remove wisdom teeth.
Do You Need Anesthesia for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Anesthesia is required for wisdom teeth removal because it is a complicated surgical procedure. Your dentist will explain that anesthesia helps numb the area around the wisdom tooth that needs to be extracted. However, your dentist will also carefully choose the type of anesthesia to use to ensure your health and safety.
Types of Anesthesia in Oral Surgery
The surgical procedure to extract your wisdom teeth can take about an hour. This duration means that you will need anesthesia that lasts long enough. Generally, dentists suggest local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or IV sedation to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia in oral surgery involves injecting a numbing medication directly into the treatment area, typically the gums around a tooth. Used for minor surgeries like cavity fillings, it allows patients to stay conscious without feeling pain, only pressure. Often combined with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for relaxation, its effects wear off quickly post-procedure.
IV Sedation
As the name suggests, IV sedation is administered through the veins. It is a moderate form of sedation and is generally safe for all patients. IV sedation is often preferred because it acts quickly, entering the bloodstream directly. Often referred to as twilight dentistry or twilight sedation, IV sedation induces a dream-like relaxation, but you may not remember much after the surgery.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is a deeper form of sedation, typically administered through a mask or IV. It renders the patient unconscious and completely unaware of the ongoing surgical procedure. By rendering you unconscious, general anesthesia effectively protects against any pain during the procedure. The phrase – going under – often refers to being under general anesthesia.
Wisdom tooth removal can be a straightforward or complex surgical procedure. Our dentist will determine the extent of the oral procedure, whether you will need anesthesia, and the type of anesthesia you will need during the procedure.
