Is Local Anesthesia a Good Option for Wisdom Teeth Removal?

For anyone with an upcoming dental appointment, it is an immense relief to know that they are in good hands and that effort is made to make the procedure as efficient, convenient and comfortable as possible, in addition to being entirely safe. Patients are always pleased to have a range of anesthesia options at their disposal. Possible options include general anesthesia, twilight anesthesia and local anesthesia. Doing comprehensive panoramic imaging and choosing the anaesthetic modality is a necessary step in the process of assessment, diagnosis and planning of a third molar or wisdom tooth surgery.  So is local anesthesia a good choice for wisdom teeth removal?

Can you get wisdom teeth out with local anesthesia?

If you are intimidated by the pain and discomfort of your upcoming wisdom tooth extraction, make sure you discuss your anesthesia options at length with your oral surgeon. They may be able to offer you local anesthesia and other options to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. What’s more, anesthesia can even be used for dental extractions on patients in pain. No longer do patients have to put up with pain and discomfort and wait for the infection to go away before they can have the problematic tooth pulled out.

Is local anesthesia enough for wisdom teeth removal?

One of the key decisions in wisdom teeth removal involves selecting between local anesthesia vs general anesthesia. Understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision.

Local anesthesia is often sufficient for wisdom teeth extraction, especially when the teeth have fully emerged. It numbs the area completely, ensuring a comfortable experience while keeping you awake and aware of the procedure.

However, if the wisdom teeth are impacted or the procedure is expected to be complex, dentists might suggest additional sedation options like nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedatives, or even general anesthesia. These methods help manage anxiety and discomfort, ensuring a more comfortable experience for the patient.

Is it better to be awake or asleep for wisdom teeth removal?

Deciding whether to be awake or asleep for wisdom teeth removal depends largely on personal preference, the complexity of your case, and how you handle medical procedures. Here’s a breakdown of both options:

1. Awake (Using local anesthesia)

Pros: You’re awake throughout the procedure, which allows you to communicate with your dentist if you feel any discomfort, leading to immediate adjustments. Recovery from local anesthesia is also quick, with minimal side effects like nausea or drowsiness.

Cons: The downside is that you’ll be fully aware of the procedure, including any sounds and sensations, which might be uncomfortable or unsettling for some.

2. Asleep (Using sedation or general anesthesia)

Pros: This is a good choice if you’re particularly anxious, facing a complex situation like impacted teeth, or have certain health issues. It makes the procedure completely stress-free since you won’t be aware of what’s happening.

Cons: However, it takes longer to recover from sedation or general anesthesia, and you might experience side effects like nausea and drowsiness. You’ll also need someone to drive you home and stay with you for a while afterward.

How long does it take to remove wisdom teeth under local anesthetic?

An experienced oral surgeon should not take longer than 30 minutes to extract all four wisdom teeth, and whether the patient is under the effect of local or other forms of anesthesia plays no difference. Experienced oral surgeons can complete an extraction even in complex scenarios involving a high degree of impaction, which is among the most common reasons why wisdom teeth extractions are recommended in the first place. 

It is therefore important to seek attention from an experienced specialist in the wisdom teeth extractions and complications department who can make the process more efficient and more comfortable for you. They also have the knowledge and experience to prevent any complications from arising and overcome them if they do. 

Why does my heart beat really hard with local anesthetic?

First to fall, we need to remember that the circumstances involving local anesthesia are specific: the anesthetic is administered for the purpose of carrying out a medical procedure which is enough to make the average patient nervous. Most people do not exactly look forward to a tooth extraction, whether planned or emergency one. This, in turn, is enough to cause the person’s heart to start racing. 

So why does this happen? The nervousness causes the person’s epinephrine levels in the bloodstream to rise. Epinephrine is a substance already present in the human body, and one responsible for what is known as the fight-or-flight response, a perfectly normal, natural reaction.

But here’s the catch: local anesthesia contains epinephrine, too. Its purpose is to keep the numbing effect of the anesthetic localized in the injection area. Some of the substance can leak into the bloodstream. So a person who’s already nervous and has epinephrine in their system is injected with more epinephrine. The accumulated effect translates directly into a dramatically higher heart rate and blood pressure, which causes the heart to start racing. 

While this is a common complaint among patients, especially among those having work done on their lower jaw, there is absolutely no cause for alarm since the reaction is completely normal.

Safe same day emergency tooth extraction in Temecula and the area

When it comes to tooth extractions, and wisdom tooth extraction in particular, you should see a general dentist or oral surgeon for an evaluation of your case. When it comes to wisdom teeth which can be particularly tricky, you deserve the best care and safe solutions which only an experienced oral surgery specialist can provide. Dr. Tsvetov more than fits the bill.

Dr. Tsvetov will make your wisdom tooth extraction as simple and straightforward as possible to make you feel safe and comfortable. Dr. Tsvetov puts effort into planning your procedure at length to ensure efficiency and patient comfort while eliminating the risk of complications.

Take advantage of our expert consultation and X-rays and take a step in the interest of your dental, oral and general health so you can celebrate with a special family outing to Vail Lake. 

Get the experience you deserve. Make an educated decision and schedule your appointment with Dr. Tsvetov today.