There is often a common misconception when it comes to wisdom tooth removal: “When having my wisdom teeth removed, I have to be put to sleep.” As it turns out, this is not exactly true. At Synergy Dental Implant and Oral Surgery Center, we offer a few different options when it comes to sedation during your wisdom tooth removal procedure. In this blog we will touch on a few of the choices you have as a patient to allow you to make the best decision for your wisdom tooth procedure.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Third molars, or wisdom teeth as they are more commonly known, grow in the back of the upper and lower jaw and are the last molars to erupt through the gum line during adulthood. These teeth get their name because they typically show themselves in a patients early to mid 20s, a period of time once though to be when an individual would have an increased amount of wisdom in the ways of the world. Though this topic is up for debate, one that is not is that sometimes wisdom teeth need to be removed for one reason or another.
In some cases, the wisdom teeth become impacted, potentially causing infection in the mouth or damage to adjacent teeth (not to mention pain!). In other cases, there is simply not enough room in the mouth for wisdom teeth to come in, and your oral surgeon will make the decision to remove them before they become symptomatic to prevent other issues down the road. Whatever the case may be, when wisdom teeth are removed, some sort of sedation or anesthesia is utilized to make the process as easy and painless as possible for the patient. The type of anesthesia is often left up to the patient and the oral surgeon to decide based on what best suits the needs of the individual and the case in question.
What anesthesia options are available?
At Synergy Dental Implant and Oral Surgery Center we are proud to provide our patients a choice when it comes to their anesthesia needs. Our two most common requests for anesthesia, particularly when it comes to wisdom tooth extractions, are local anesthesia and general anesthesia. While each comes with its own sets of benefits, each is not without its own set of challenges as well.
What is local anesthesia?
The first type of anesthesia we offer at Synergy Dental Implant and Oral Surgery Center is known as “local anesthesia.” As the name implies, local anesthesia works locally directly at the site of the procedure. Injections are made with a numbing agent such as lidocaine which will block pain signals allowing for a more comfortable procedure. While this can be beneficial because the patient does not need a driver following the procedure and is not drowsy afterward since they were not put to sleep, it certainly is not without its challenges. For one, patients who are awake the entire time might experience increased anxiety during a surgical procedure such as wisdom tooth extraction. Second, more complex or complicated procedures, such as impacted wisdom tooth removal, may require more invasive incisions which could be far more difficult if the patient is awake for the entire procedure. For such situations, or for situations where the individual simply wants to be as relaxed as possible, a second option is available: general anesthesia.
What is general anesthesia?
General anesthesia is what patients typically think of as “going to sleep” during surgery. An IV is started by Dr. Polyakov and our expert team, and, for patient safety, patient vital signs and status are monitored continuously throughout the procedure. The patient is then monitored following the conclusion of the procedure and is awakened in the recovery area where they are rejoined by loved ones who can then drive the patient home once they have been cleared to do so. Though to the patient the process often seems much quicker due to some amnesia effects from the medications used, there are certainly challenges associated with IV sedation. For one, some patients do not tolerate general anesthesia well. Some patients may wake up combative or be excessively groggy after the procedure. Patients who undergo general anesthesia require a driver to safely get them to and from their procedure, and patients are restricted from eating or drinking a certain amount of time prior to their procedure to ensure an empty stomach and reduce the risk of them becoming sick while asleep which may lead to additional complications.
Do I need to be asleep to have my wisdom teeth removed?
Short answer: no.
However, the answer to that question can come down to a number of different factors, not the least of which is patient preference.
According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, anesthesia selection should be individualized according to factors such as patient anxiety, medical considerations, and the type, complexity, and expected duration of the procedure.¹
Whatever your preference, ultimately the best choice comes down to your personal health history, the specific wisdom tooth procedure being performed, and an open, honest conversation with Dr. Polyakov and our team to ensure we are providing the very best guidance for your situation. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding your anesthesia and sedation options with Synergy Dental Implant and Oral Surgery Center. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. The Control of Pain and Anxiety Intraoperatively. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://aaoms.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/control_of_pain_and_anxiety.pdf
