Wisdom Teeth removal?!

Wisdom Teeth removal?

In a few days I will be getting all 4 of my impacted wisdom teeth extracted. The place I am going to is a Oral and Maxillofacial doctor. The doctor recommended using a general anesthetic. Has anyone else gotten there wisdom teeth removed with a GA? The reason I ask is because I have never had a general anesthetic before and am just worried about all the possible side effects (even though I know nothing is probally going to happen). Also, what kind of general anesthetic do you think they will use? Gas, or shot?

I had my wisdom teeth removed about two months ago. I'm 27, and I was terrified because the procedure is usually more difficult if you're older. But I was in so much pain beforehand from the impaction that I could've cared less about the surgery after a while...

Your oral surgeon will probably recommend nitrous oxide (because it's cheaper). If you receive an injection such as GA, it becomes very expensive (usually $400 or more); someone also has to drive you home, and you can feel very nauseous afterward. If I were you, I would choose the laughing gas. It's painless and you will not feel anything. Here's how the laughing gas works...

Your dentist will inject your mouth a couple of times with novacaine. Afterward, he/she will place a mask on your face and ask you to inhale deeply. Within minutes, you will feel a slight lightheadedness, but nothing frightening at all. No one is as paranoid as I am when it comes to my body, but even I became relaxed after a while. Plus, you're laying back in a chair so you're physically at ease as well. Once the "drugs" have taken effect, you'll find that you could care less about anything that's being done in your mouth. Of course you're still in your right mind and you're totally conscious of what's going on. Even with the laughing gas, my dentist occasionally asked how I was and I simply replied, "I'm fine." You will not feel any pain except for some tugging here and there. In the meantime, you can simply do what I did: grab some sleep as long as your comfortable.

In your case, the procedure will probably take about an hour or two, depending on the severity of your wisdom-tooth impaction. Once completed, the dentist will remove your mask and you will instantly return back to normal once you begin to inhale oxygen again. The worst part of the wisdom teeth extraction is the aftermath. Having it actually done is a breeze. Your mouth may bleed occasionally, but if you pack your gums with gauze, it'll help reduce the bleeding. Keep ice on your face. Your cheeks may swell a little bit, but nothing like the "chipmunk" myth that I've heard all my life. Most-likely your dentist will prescribe an antibiotic and pain medicine to keep your swelling down. Your mouth will be very sore during the recovery phase, so don't be a hero and try to scarf down on a hamburger. Try soft foods like ice cream, yogurt, pudding or eggs. By the end of the week, your mouth should be feeling better (but it still might be a little sensitive!)

Good luck with your surgery. You'll be fine, I promise. So many times we tend to blow the unknown out of proportion and end up feeling ridiculous when it turns out to be nothing...