Wisdom teeth removal is a routine oral surgery often done during a person’s late teens or early twenties. Because this surgical procedure can involve pain, swelling, and pressure, anesthesia is used to help manage discomfort and reduce anxiety.
Multiple types of anesthesia are available for wisdom teeth extraction. The one used depends on the tooth position, the complexity of the extraction, and patient preference. Among the options, local anesthesia is the most common.
This article explains the different types of anesthesia used during wisdom tooth removal, when each type is chosen, and what patients can expect during recovery.
Why Anesthesia Is Necessary During Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to emerge. Some grow in without issues, but others cause problems like pain, infection, or overcrowding. If a wisdom tooth becomes impacted—trapped beneath the gum or bone—surgical removal is usually required.
Tooth extraction, especially involving impacted or partially erupted wisdom teeth, can be uncomfortable. For this reason, oral surgeons use anesthesia to block pain, reduce awareness, and lower anxiety. Anesthesia ensures the surgical procedure is safe and tolerable for the patient.
Most Common: Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is the standard option for most wisdom teeth removals. It numbs the area where the teeth will be extracted, blocking pain while allowing the patient to remain fully awake and alert.
During the administration, the oral surgeon injects a local anesthetic—often lidocaine—into the gum tissue near the surgical site. Within minutes, the area becomes numb. The patient stays conscious and can respond to the surgeon’s instructions, but will feel no sharp pain.
Local anesthesia is often used in simple wisdom teeth extractions, when the teeth are fully erupted and easy to remove. It can also be paired with other options, such as nitrous oxide or IV sedation, for added relaxation.
Related Article: How Long Does Lidocaine Last?
Other Types of Anesthesia Used in Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Though local anesthesia is the most common, it’s not always the only option. Patients with higher anxiety, or those undergoing more complex surgical procedures, may need additional sedation or anesthesia.
Oral surgeons may use one of the following:
1. Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is inhaled through a small mask during the procedure. It creates a calm and relaxed feeling without putting the patient to sleep. The effects wear off within minutes after the gas is turned off.
Nitrous oxide is often used in combination with local anesthesia. Patients remain aware of their surroundings but feel less nervous about the tooth extraction. Because the gas does not impair long-term alertness, some patients may be able to drive themselves home afterward—though this depends on the oral surgeon’s advice.
2. Intravenous (IV) Sedation
IV sedation is administered through a vein in the arm or hand. It produces a deeper level of conscious sedation. While the patient technically stays awake, they become drowsy and may not remember the procedure afterward.
This type of anesthesia is commonly used for complex wisdom teeth removals, especially when teeth are impacted or require more surgical access. IV sedation is always used with local anesthesia to ensure pain control.
Patients receiving IV sedation must have someone accompany them to and from the appointment. Recovery usually involves some grogginess lasting a few hours.
When Is General Anesthesia Used?
General anesthesia causes complete unconsciousness. Unlike IV sedation, patients under general anesthesia are fully asleep and unaware of the procedure. In most cases, they cannot breathe on their own and require airway support.
For routine wisdom tooth removal, general anesthesia is rarely used. It’s more common in hospital settings or for patients with significant medical conditions. When used, it requires advanced anesthesia training and specialized equipment.
General anesthesia may be considered when:
- Multiple impacted teeth must be removed
- The patient cannot tolerate the procedure under lighter sedation
- The patient has special needs that make cooperation during surgery difficult
Before and After Anesthesia: What to Expect
Before the procedure, your oral surgeon will review your medical history, medications, and any concerns you have about anesthesia. The type of anesthesia chosen will determine how you prepare.
If you’re receiving nitrous oxide or IV sedation, you may be asked not to eat or drink for several hours before surgery. With IV sedation or general anesthesia, you will need an adult to drive you home.
After having any form of anesthesia, you can expect some side effects. These vary depending on the type used:
- Local anesthesia: Numbness in the lips, gums, or tongue for a few hours; rare allergic reactions.
- Nitrous oxide: Light-headedness or nausea; these effects usually pass quickly.
- IV sedation: Grogginess, memory gaps, or dizziness for several hours.
- General anesthesia: Slower recovery, sore throat (from the breathing tube), nausea, and possible fatigue for the rest of the day.
Your oral surgeon will provide post-operative care instructions. Following them helps reduce side effects and supports healing after wisdom teeth removal.
Finding the Right Anesthesia for a Smoother Wisdom Tooth Removal
The type of anesthesia used for wisdom teeth extraction depends on your needs and the procedure’s difficulty. Local anesthesia remains the most common option—effective, safe, and widely used for both simple and surgical extractions.
Nitrous oxide and IV sedation offer additional levels of comfort for those with anxiety or more involved cases. In rare situations, general anesthesia may be used under the care of a surgeon with specialized training.
If you have concerns about the anesthesia process or want to better understand your options, talk with your oral surgeon before the procedure. A clear plan helps ensure a safe and stress-free experience during wisdom tooth removal.
