Impacted Wisdom Teeth - Removal under Local

[GoldenOldies]

Just had a call from the dentist. I’m booked in with the oral surgeon tomorrow to have my wisdom teeth removed, and have been told the surgeon recommended sedation.

I was strict with my dentist who referred me that I would not be going under. I’ve just confirmed with the receptionist who said that the surgeon recommended sedation based on how impacted they are, but it’s ultimately my choice, and staying awake is alright.

I don’t have dental anxiety, and I have a high pain tolerance. I don’t mind sitting in the chair for 2-3 hours if I have to. But I am deathly afraid of sedation/general anesthetic, and if it were my only option, I’d keep my wisdom teeth in. I’m worried I’ll go in tomorrow and be pressured into sedation, which will cause me to panic. Can they do this?

Has anyone had very impacted wisdom teeth out while awake?

Can't comment on all 4 out at once, and this is just my experience but I had 2 impacted (one top one bottom) teeth out a couple of months ago under local. It was fine. I mean it was a bit unpleasant, took ages and I was a bit achy afterwards but nothing like the horror stories I heard about beforehand! I also didn't have anyone to pick me up after, have young DC so didn't want sedation or general.

As I said, it was just 2 rather than 4 teeth but maybe they'd do it in 2 appointments? It honestly wasn't that bad though, I iced my face that evening, took ibuprofen for a couple of days, was swollen for about a week but not in any real pain.

Sedated is giving you something like diazepam to make you more relaxed. You'll feel kinda spaced out depending on the dose and your personal tolerance and definitely can't drive after. I get you, I'm bloody terrified of the dentist (not of going under, been under 14 times lol) and have to get diazepam from the gp to go for any procedures. I understand the fear of going under though. With regards to that, going under yiu just feel sleepy and then you're asleep, they keep an eye on you the whole time and are trained. It'll just feel like a wee nap... but minus some teeth when you wake up. I had an impacted wisdom tooth removal attempt under local (when they numb you, you're fully awake) but unfortunately, ut wasn't possible and I had to go back and go under. Maybe try ringing thw dentist and ask to speak to them so you can explain fully and they may be able to help answer your questions, that might really help your mindset on it.

I had one impacted wisdom tooth removed in the dentist, I vowed never again!

I had a further 2 removed in hospital under a general anaesthetic and if I needed the last one out I would do the same.

Still gives me shivers when I think back to it - I have a high pain threshold and no fear of the dentist - medical professionals give you their advise for a reason. xx

I had one lower impacted wisdom tooth taken out under a local. It took ages and the hospital dentist struggled, he even called me at home in the evening to check I was OK. (I was). Just keeping my mouth open that long, for one tooth, was hard.

If you're having four out take the sedation option and get a taxi.

You might be surprised by how shaky/rough you feel. I had three wisdom teeth removed in Aug, one which had complex roots. No pain, but I came out feeling (and looking!) like I'd been beaten up! The local has adrenaline in it too which can leave you a bit shaky. I definitely wouldn't have been safe to drive.

The actual removal with only local was fine though - the stitches were way worse imo!

I had all 4 of my impacted wisdom teeth taken out under general. There is no way I could have had this done under a local or even sedation. The recovery is rough. I have a very high pain threshold, but very glad I'll never have to do that again.

I've been put under 4 times in total. I've never suffered any ill effects and as others have said, you won't have any memory of it. You simply go to sleep and then someone wakes you up.

Wisdom teeth vary hugely in how difficult they are to remove (mine covered the full range from straightforward local to general anaesthetic at the hospital), so take the advice of the dentist dealing with your teeth. Ask questions about the sedation - don't assume it's as bad as you think it is.

Leave the car at home and get a taxi home. Even after a local anaesthetic, I was a bit woozy. Fortunately the dentist realised that I was an impoverished student who wouldn't think to order a taxi; he sent me to wait in the waiting room, then his receptionist appeared to say that he had one more patient and then he would give me and my friend a lift home. (I bet that wouldn't be allowed nowadays!)

I’d agree that you’re likely to feel shaky afterwards so driving back is not a great idea. I had a very impacted one out under local and it wasn’t painful during but was very unpleasant; I preferred this than being under but I had mine done at separate times. I’m not sure I’d want them all out at the same time as I think recovery will be awful as you won’t even be able to eat on the other side.
The noise is horrible so would recommend earphones with some music if they let you. Also stock up on pain killers, I had to take co codamol

Having had extraction under general (3 teeth), sedation (1 tooth) and standard local (1 tooth) I'd take sedation 100 x over. Tooth extraction can be unpredictable, can be longer or more complicated and sometimes cannot even be completed in normal surgery! Have they x-rayed you? If so then they are likely suggesting sedation because it's the most sensible option.

Good luck whatever happens.

PS Ask them to explain gow the sedation works, have a look online too (under dental sedation) - it's daunting at first but having had it twice now I'm booked in for it again in March next year. I wouldn't day I look forward to it, clearly I don't, but it's also the best way forward for trickier dental work.

I had all four out, two impacted under local, and passed out at the chemist's afterwards when I was picking up the prescription they gave me. DH drove me, I definitely wasn't well enough to drive.

My face and neck blew up to four times their original size for the next five days - I wish I'd taken photos, you can't believe how bad the swelling was otherwise!

I had all four out under local, two impacted (one horizontal). I was strongly advised not too, but it was ok. Took 2.5 hours. The horizontal one was by far the worst. I wouldn't drive afterwards, I felt very weak and dizzy, like I was really shocked. I also had fear of GA and sedation.

I spoke to the receptionist. She said it would be IV sedation, I’d be awake and able to communicate if something was wrong. I’d just be dulled.

I’ve decided to go with the sedation for the extra money (I’ve gone private) and I have someone to bring me. My sister will be able to drive me to and from.

I am absolutely terrified and going in and out of panic attacks about being sedated

I’m so relieved you’ve agreed to sedation OP.

Understandably it’s daunting for you but one of the benefits is that you won’t remember the procedure. It’s incredibly safe and highly regulated. I expect it’s a sigh of relief for the surgeon as well, it does make life a lot easier.

4 teeth out will be sore afterwards, don’t underestimate it and make sure you follow post op instructions to the letter, including being kind to yourself and keeping on top of painkillers.

"I spoke to the receptionist. She said it would be IV sedation, I’d be awake and able to communicate if something was wrong. I’d just be dulled.

I’ve decided to go with the sedation for the extra money (I’ve gone private) and I have someone to bring me. My sister will be able to drive me to and from.

I am absolutely terrified and going in and out of panic attacks about being sedated"

That sounds like a much better plan. The sedation will relax you. You won't be terrified at the time. Having your sister with you will help too. Best of luck!

@GoldenOldies I am glad you have made this decision - good luck, of course you will be nervous as it's a new experience (I know I was a bit wary at first) but let's hope all goes well and wishing you all the best for a speedy recovery.

Update: 5 hours post op.

I did the sedation and it was fine. I remember bits and pieces, but I must have fallen asleep as what I thought was 15 mins was an hour. There was no pain throughout it all, but good God does it hurt now. I’m on two lots of strong painkillers and they only take the edge off. I have antibiotics too.

I’ve had a nap and some soup, which was good. But wow this pain is probably one of the worst things I’ve experienced. At least it’s just a one off thing I suppose.

The only thing I felt during the procedure was dizziness from the sedation (watching the ceiling tiles wriggle and change shapes was weird), and I felt them breaking the teeth to make removal easier, but it wasn’t painful. It was more like feeling someone break a pavlova, so there’s that.

Thanks to everyone who reassured me and wished me luck! 🍀

@GoldenOldies glad it wasn't too bad - rest up and take it easy, and also take as many painkillers as you need/are allowed. Hopefully it'll all settle down nicely.

Well done you - it sounds as braving your fears about sedation paid off. I hope the pain eases soon - hopefully they gave you prescription painkillers. Plenty of rest and don't go back to work too soon.

You need ice packs to help with the pain and swelling. I bought some from amazon but frozen veg wrapped in a tea towel will work too.

Well done OP for conquering a fear! Hope you recover quickly

Glad you're out the other side. Take it very easy for a few days. IIRC I had one out on the weds and didn't really do anything until the Saturday, the bruising was spectacular though.

Edited for not reading the full thread!

Glad it's all over OP and quick recovery!

Was just reading the thread & so relieved you had the sedation.

Hope you heal well.

The procedure is fine. Recovery is vile for a week. It will feel awful for next few days.