When your dentist recommends wisdom teeth removal to avoid dental problems, odds are a laundry list of thoughts and emotions will start to run through your mind. One issue that even the most relaxed patients worry about is the hours following surgery, as it’s now common to see viral videos of individuals acting funny after this procedure. If you’re preparing for tooth extraction, here’s some insight into why some patients react dramatically in the moments afterward. 

Understanding the Wisdom Teeth Removal Process

How Does a Dentist Remove Wisdom Teeth?

Depending on the location of your wisdom teeth and whether they have erupted, your dentist may need to make an incision in your gumline. To ensure you don’t feel anything, you may receive both local numbing anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia so you’re relaxed with a minimal gag reflex. Once the tooth is properly extracted, your dentist will clean the site, stitch up the wound, and apply gauze to help control any bleeding. This procedure typically lasts no more than 90 minutes and recovery time ranges from a couple of days to a week.  

What Can You Expect Immediately After Tooth Extraction?

Since wisdom teeth removal requires local anesthesia and general sedation for the comfort of the patient, you may experience a few temporary symptoms in the hours following. These effects can include feelings of fatigue, confusion, disorientation, and heightened emotions. It’s during this short time period that you may say a few silly comments or have bizarre reactions to waking up after surgery. The good news is, these effects are temporary; and once a loved one drives you home, you’ll be ready for a nap and the anesthesia will begin to wear off completely. 

Helmbrecht Dental, led by Dr. Helmbrecht and Dr. Chang, is conveniently located in the heart of Fairbanks, AK, and is known throughout the region for providing effective and financially accessible general and cosmetic dentistry services. If you’re looking for a modern, innovative, and comfortable dental practice to perform wisdom teeth removal, call today at (907) 456-1237 to schedule an appointment. For more information on this trustworthy oral health team and their unwavering dedication to helping patients maintain beautiful smiles through every life stage, visit their website or Facebook page.