General anesthesia is not typically required for the removal of your wisdom teeth. Your dental professional may recommend this option in some cases, especially if the procedure is lengthy, complicated or if you experience high levels of stress. General anesthesia involves your dentist administering oral, intravenous (IV), or inhalable medications (or a combination thereof) to place you into an unconscious state.
Rest assured that from your perspective, it will feel similar to falling asleep and waking up. From your body’s perspective, you won’t respond to any reflexes or sensations of pain, differentiating it from local anesthesia that numbs one area. You will likely not remember anything from the procedure, and it will feel as if no time has passed at all or like you just woke up from a nap.
There are potential side effects, complications, and risks associated with general anesthesia that vary based on the type of medication used and your individual health history. Your dentist should discuss these with you before your procedure.
Your state of mind may be affected following general anesthesia, so you should avoid drinking alcohol, operating a motor vehicle, or signing legal documents for 48 hours following your procedure.