How Bad is Wisdom Teeth Removal Without Anesthesia?
Wisdom teeth are the last molars that grow in the back of your mouth between the age of 17-25. Some people have no issues with their wisdom teeth, while others may experience pain. How necessary is wisdom teeth removal? And how bad is wisdom teeth removal without anesthesia?
The following post will answer these questions so you can make an informed decision about your oral health.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
They are also known as third molars because most people get the third set. They are at the back of your mouth, behind your second molars. Wisdom teeth usually erupt in four corners of your mouth: two on the top and two on the bottom.
Wisdom teeth are a remnant of our evolutionary past. But with modern diets and smaller jaws, some people still need to develop them.
How Necessary Is Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Not every individual needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. Some people have enough room in their mouths for their wisdom teeth to grow normally. Others may never experience any problems with their wisdom teeth.
However, many people face issues with their wisdom teeth that may require extraction. Here are some of the common reasons why you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed:
Wisdom Teeth May Be Impacted in Various Ways
Impacted wisdom teeth do not fully erupt or grow in the right direction. They may be trapped under the gum and grow sideways. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause swelling and infection and need removal.
There are four types of impaction:
- Vertical impaction: The tooth is upright but does not break through the gum.
- Mesial impaction: The tooth is placed toward the front of the mouth.
- Distal impaction: The tooth is placed toward the back of the mouth.
- Horizontal impaction: The tooth lies sideways under the gum.
Wisdom Teeth can Erupt at a Bad Angle
Even if your wisdom teeth are not impacted, they may erupt at the wrong angle, affecting your bite or alignment. For example, your wisdom teeth may push against your other teeth and cause them to shift or crowd.
The Area of the Mouth is Too Small
Some people do not have enough space in their mouths for their wisdom teeth to fit comfortably. It can cause pressure, pain, or discomfort in your jaw or gums. It can also make opening your mouth wide or chewing food properly tricky.
What Are the Risks of Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Depending on the situation, some people may need all four wisdom teeth removed immediately.
A dentist or an oral surgeon usually does the procedure in a dental office. You will be given some anaesthesia to numb the area and make you comfortable during the surgery. The type and level of anaesthesia will depend on your condition.
Like any surgery, wisdom teeth extraction has some risks and potential complications. These include:
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Pain
- Infection
- Dry socket
- Nerve damage
Why is Sedation Used?
Sedation is used during wisdom teeth extraction to make you comfortable and relaxed during the surgery. It can also help reduce your anxiety or gag reflex during the procedure.
Sedation is not the same as anaesthesia, which is used to numb the area and block any pain signals from reaching your brain. Sedation affects your level of consciousness and awareness, while anaesthesia affects your sensation and movement.
Depending on your medical condition, you may choose from different levels and types of sedation for your wisdom teeth extraction.
The Different Levels of Sedation Dentistry
Four primary levels of sedation dentistry can be used during wisdom teeth extraction:
Minimal sedation
The lowest level of sedation makes you feel relaxed but still awake and aware of your surroundings. You can usually respond to verbal commands and physical stimulation. You will need more memory of the procedure.
Moderate Sedation
It is a higher level of sedation that makes you feel tired but still conscious and able to respond to simple commands. You may slur your words or lose track of time. You will have some memory loss during the procedure.
Deep Sedation
It is a very high level of sedation that makes you feel almost unconscious but can still be awakened by repeated stimulation. You will not be able to respond to commands or stimuli. You will have no memory of the procedure.
General Anaesthesia
The highest level of sedation makes you completely unconscious and unaware of anything. You will not be able to respond to any stimulation or commands. You will have no memory of the procedure.
Types of Sedation/Anesthesia Available for Tooth Removal
Different types of sedation or anaesthesia can be used during wisdom teeth extraction, depending on the level of sedation you want and the type of extraction you need.
These include:
Local Anaesthesia
This type of anaesthesia numbs only the area where the surgery is performed. It is usually injected into the gum or cheek near the tooth. It blocks pain signals from reaching your brain but does not affect your consciousness or awareness.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
This minimal sedation makes you feel relaxed and happy during the surgery. It is a colourless, odourless gas inhaled through a mask over your nose. It works quickly and wears off quickly, so you can drive home after the procedure.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is moderate sedation that makes you feel tired and calm during the surgery. It is a pill or liquid taken orally about an hour before the procedure. It may make you fall asleep or forget what happened during the surgery.
General Anaesthesia
This type of general anaesthesia makes you completely unconscious during the surgery. It is a gas or liquid inhaled through a mask over your nose and mouth or injected into your vein through a needle or catheter. It works very fast and puts you into a deep sleep.
Wisdom Tooth Removal without Sedation
You can remove your wisdom teeth without any form of sedation. However, It may not be recommended for several reasons:
- You may experience more pain and discomfort
- You may have more anxiety and fear
- You may have more complications
How Bad is Wisdom Teeth Removal Without Anesthesia?
Tooth extraction without anaesthesia can be harrowing and traumatic for most people. Anaesthesia prevents pain signals from reaching your brain so you don’t feel pain or discomfort.
Without anaesthesia, you will feel every cut, twist, and crack during the extraction. You may also feel a sharp pain from the nerves and blood vessels exposed by the extraction.
The level of pain you experience may depend on several factors, such as:
- The number and position of your wisdom teeth
- The type and complexity of the extraction
- Your personal pain tolerance
- Your anxiety and fear level
Benefits of Removing Wisdom Teeth with Just Local Anesthesia
Removing wisdom teeth with just local anaesthesia may have some benefits for some people, such as:
- Less costly
- You can drive yourself home
- You don’t have to be NPO for 8 hours
- You can return to work immediately
Side Effects and Complications of General Anesthesia
General anaesthesia is the highest level of sedation that makes you completely unconscious and unaware of anything during the surgery. It is usually used for complex surgical extractions or patients with severe anxiety or medical conditions.
However, general anaesthesia also has some side effects and complications you should know before choosing the It option. These include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Drowsiness and confusion
- Allergic reactions
- Anesthesia awareness
When to See a Dentist?
You should see a dentist if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that indicate that you may need wisdom teeth extraction:
- Unhealthy teeth
- Incomplete eruption
- There is no room for growth in the jaw
- A series of infections behind the lower second molar
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is wisdom teeth removal a high-risk surgery?
Wisdom teeth removal is a standard and safe dental procedure with a low risk of complications. However, like any surgery, it does have some risks and potential complications that you should be aware of and discuss with your dentist.
Can you feel wisdom teeth removal with local anaesthesia?
With local anaesthesia, you cannot feel pain or discomfort during wisdom teeth removal. Local anaesthesia numbs only the area where the surgery is performed, so you do not feel any pain signals from reaching your brain.
Should you be worried about wisdom teeth removal?
No, you should not be worried about wisdom teeth removal. It is a standard and safe dental procedure with many benefits for oral health and well-being. However, you should be ready for the procedure and follow your dentist’s instructions.
Which tooth is most painful to extract?
This question has no definitive answer, as different people may have different pain tolerance and sensitivity levels. However, some factors that may affect the level of pain during tooth extraction are:
- The number and position of the tooth
- The type and complexity of the extraction
- The type and level of anaesthesia used
- Your personal pain tolerance
- Your anxiety and fear level
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth are the last molars that grow in the back of your mouth. Its extraction is a standard dental procedure that involves removing one or more wisdom teeth. However, wisdom teeth extraction has risks you should know and discuss with your dentist.
You should also follow the instructions and tips on what to do and avoid before and after the surgery to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery. These include choosing the best time to remove wisdom teeth, preparing for the procedure, caring for yourself after the surgery, etc.
