Are You Awake During Wisdom Teeth Removal Reddit
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that many people have to undergo. It is often necessary when the wisdom teeth are impacted or causing other dental problems. However, one of the biggest concerns people have about this procedure is whether they will be awake during the surgery.
Types of Anesthesia
There are several types of anesthesia that can be used during wisdom teeth removal. The most common are local anesthesia, sedation anesthesia, and general anesthesia.
Local anesthesia involves numbing the area around the wisdom teeth with an injection. This is usually the only type of anesthesia used for simple extractions or when only one tooth is being removed.
Sedation anesthesia involves the use of medication to help you relax and feel drowsy during the procedure. This may be given orally or through an IV. You will still be conscious, but you may not remember the procedure afterwards.
General anesthesia involves putting you to sleep completely during the procedure. This is usually only used for more complicated extractions or when multiple teeth are being removed.
Awake During Procedure
It is possible to be awake during wisdom teeth removal, but this will depend on the type of anesthesia used. If you have local anesthesia, you will be awake during the procedure but should not feel any pain. You may feel pressure or pushing, but it should not be uncomfortable.
If you have sedation anesthesia, you will also be awake but may feel more relaxed and drowsy. You may not remember the procedure afterwards.
If you have general anesthesia, you will be completely asleep and will not be aware of the procedure.
Risks of Being Awake
Being awake during wisdom teeth removal does come with some risks. The biggest risk is that you may experience pain or discomfort during the procedure. This can happen if the anesthesia wears off or if the dentist accidentally hits a nerve.
Another risk is that you may become anxious or panicked during the procedure. This can make it difficult for the dentist to complete the procedure and may require additional sedatives or even rescheduling the procedure.
Conclusion
Whether you are awake during wisdom teeth removal will depend on the type of anesthesia used. Local anesthesia will keep you awake, while sedation or general anesthesia will put you to sleep. While being awake does come with some risks, these can be minimized by choosing a qualified and experienced dentist and following their instructions for before and after the procedure.