DIAGNOSIS
Your dentist may perform the procedure in the clinic. If your tooth is significantly affected or if the extraction requires a detailed procedure, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon. Aside from making the area numb with pain relievers, your dentist may propose sedation to make you sleep during the procedure.
TREATMENT
Your dentist or oral surgeon may use some form of anesthesia, depending on the nature of the wisdom tooth extraction and your comfort level. Options include:
Local anesthesia
Your dentist or oral surgeon injects anesthesia near the site of each extraction. Before you get the injection, your dentist will likely apply a substance to your gums to numb them. You will be awake during tooth extraction.
Sedation anesthesia
Your dentist or oral surgeon gives you sedation anesthesia through an intravenous (IV) line in your arm. Sedation anesthesia makes you sleep during the procedure. You don’t feel any pain. You’ll also get local anesthesia to numb your gums.
General anesthesia
In special cases, you may be offered general anesthesia. You may take in medication through your nose or have an IV line in your arm, or both. You will then lose consciousness. The staff gives you medication and monitors your breathing, temperature, fluids, and heartbeat. You’ll experience no pain and have no memory of the procedure.