Getting your wisdom teeth is a huge milestone in life that marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. Many of our patients have no issues when their wisdom teeth come in; others deal with issues like impaction, crowding, pain, and more. If you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, you may be wondering if there will be any pain involved. How bad is wisdom teeth removal without general anesthesia? Will you need to be sedated for surgery? Will there be any pain during the procedure?
The team at American Dental is here to answer all those questions and more!
Complications Related to Wisdom Teeth
When your wisdom teeth come in, they may not come in straight. They can push against your other teeth, causing them to become misaligned over time. They can also damage neighboring teeth or leave spaces that allow bacteria to enter the area below the gumline. They can become fully or partially impacted, meaning they never completely erupt, which can lead to serious infections and abscesses that can potentially be life-threatening. In all of these cases, the wisdom teeth will need to be removed.
Anesthesia During Wisdom Teeth Removal
Contrary to what you might think, general anesthesia is not always necessary for wisdom teeth removal. Many patients can have their wisdom teeth removed with only a local anesthetic. In these cases, your dentist will numb your gums with a topical agent, then inject a local anesthetic into your gums with a syringe. Once your mouth is numbed, the procedure can begin. You may experience some slight discomfort or pressure, but you can remain fully awake during wisdom teeth removal with no issues.
For patients who have severely impacted teeth, who have dental anxiety, or who have a low pain tolerance, general anesthesia or sedation may be necessary, but these types of cases are the minority. Your dentist will always use the least amount of anesthesia that is needed to complete the procedure because it is safer and it allows the patient to respond if they are in distress. General anesthesia and sedation are also generally more expensive than a local anesthetic, so cost may be a factor in the patient’s decision as well. Regardless, your dentist will always recommend the anesthesia level that is appropriate for your unique case.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Chicago
No matter your age, if you think you need to get your wisdom teeth removed, the first step is to speak with a qualified dentist about the procedure. They will let you know if an extraction is necessary and what level of anesthesia will be appropriate.
At American Dental, our dentists and dental surgeons have the expertise it takes to advise you on wisdom teeth extraction and a range of other procedures. Visit our contact page for a list of Chicago area clinics if you are looking for a dentist in Pulaski and Fullerton or anywhere else in Chicagoland. You can even schedule your appointment online! You don’t have to let your wisdom teeth become an issue for you; get in touch with our team for advice and treatment for all your oral health concerns.