Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure which is performed when the wisdom teeth erupt or cause issues. They may crowd other teeth or erupt only partially, leading to a risk of infection. Wisdom teeth removal and the use of anesthesia as part of the removal process is common. Understanding the effects of anesthesia and the recovery period is important. If you are concerned about your wisdom teeth, discuss this topic with your dentist.
When Will Wisdom Teeth Anesthesia Wear Off?
How long does anesthesia last after wisdom teeth removal? The short answer is a few hours. However, the exact length of time will depend on a few factors.
What approach was used? Local anesthesia, which involves numbing a specific part of the mouth, will wear off relatively quickly, in some cases within 30 minutes. General anesthesia used for wisdom teeth removal, where the patient is put to sleep during the procedure, takes about 45 minutes to an hour to wear off. During this time, you might feel sleepy or confused, this is why we strongly suggest that the patient have a designated driver or scheduled transportation.
The amount of time it takes to feel normal again after anesthesia will depend on what medications you take after your wisdom teeth removal. For example, strong pain relievers like oxycodone can make you feel groggy while you’re on the pain medication. You might also have trouble getting back to a regular sleep schedule after anesthesia.
What to Expect After Wisdom Teeth Removal
After the procedure, some bleeding and swelling are typical. Your dentist may send you home with gauze to place over the extraction site to promote clotting. For the swelling, an ice pack can provide some relief.
Other things you can expect after this procedure include:
- Grogginess – Have someone drive you home and monitor you for the first couple hours after the procedure.
- Difficulty eating and drinking – Stick to soft foods like applesauce, pudding, and pureed soups at first, and avoid carbonated beverages or drinking through a straw.
- Pain – Over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers can help ease any pain resulting from the procedure.
You’ll want to avoid brushing your teeth for at least 24 hours after the procedure, as well as pay careful attention to the extraction sites as they heal. Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can keep the wounds clean and promote healing.
There are some symptoms where you’ll want to contact your oral surgeon. For example, if you develop a fever, this can be a sign of an infection. Difficulty swallowing, excessive pain, and a persistent bad taste in your mouth can also be indications that you’re in need of medical attention. Otherwise, you’ll likely visit the office for a checkup one to two weeks after the procedure.
Wisdom Teeth Consultation from the Experts at Columbia Smiles
Howard County residents have trusted Columbia Smiles for more than 35 years. Dr. Michael Hsu ensures that our patients are as comfortable as possible during their visits. If you’re in need of wisdom teeth removal, general dentistry services, or even cosmetic dentistry services like teeth whitening or dental veneers, reach out to our team today.
Schedule an appointment by calling Columbia Smiles at 410.690.4855 or by connecting with us online.
