Hello, I'm Dr. Emily Carter, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. I specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects in the mouth, jaws, and face, including the extraction of wisdom teeth.

It's a common question, and it's understandable that you'd be curious about the procedure. The answer is: it depends. There are several factors that determine whether you'll be awake or asleep during the procedure:

* The complexity of the procedure: If your wisdom teeth are impacted (meaning they are trapped under the gum tissue or bone) or if there are other complications, **your surgeon may recommend general anesthesia**, which means you'll be completely asleep during the procedure.
* Your medical history and preferences: If you have any medical conditions or if you are particularly anxious about the procedure, **your surgeon may recommend general anesthesia** to ensure your comfort and safety.
* **The level of expertise and comfort of your surgeon**: Some surgeons are more comfortable performing **wisdom teeth extractions under local anesthesia**, which means you'll be awake but the area will be numbed. This is typically a good option for patients with simple extractions.
* The availability of resources: Depending on the setting of the surgery, **general anesthesia may not be readily available**.

**Here's a breakdown of the two main options:**

Local Anesthesia:
* You'll be awake, but the area will be numbed. You may feel some pressure, but you shouldn't feel any pain.
* This is typically a good option for patients with simple extractions.
* Advantages:
* Faster recovery: You'll be able to go home sooner and you won't need to worry about the side effects of general anesthesia.
* Less expensive: Local anesthesia is typically less expensive than general anesthesia.
* Disadvantages:
* Potential for discomfort: Although the area will be numb, you may still feel some pressure or discomfort.
* Not suitable for everyone: It's not a good option for people with certain medical conditions or who are particularly anxious about the procedure.
* **May not be an option for complex extractions:** If your wisdom teeth are impacted or if there are other complications, your surgeon may recommend general anesthesia.

General Anesthesia:
* You'll be completely asleep during the procedure.
* This is typically recommended for patients with complex extractions, or for those who are particularly anxious about the procedure.
* Advantages:
* Painless procedure: You won't feel anything during the procedure.
* No anxiety: You won't be aware of the procedure or feel any anxiety.
* Suitable for complex extractions: This is the best option for patients with impacted wisdom teeth or other complications.
* Disadvantages:
* Slower recovery: You'll need to stay at the surgery center for a few hours after the procedure, and you'll need someone to drive you home.
* More expensive: General anesthesia is typically more expensive than local anesthesia.
* Potential for side effects: Some people experience side effects from general anesthesia, such as nausea, vomiting, or drowsiness.

**The best way to determine whether you'll be awake or asleep during your wisdom teeth extraction is to talk to your oral surgeon.** They will be able to assess your individual situation and recommend the best course of action for you.

**Remember, your comfort and safety are the top priorities**. Don't hesitate to ask your surgeon any questions you have about the procedure. The more informed you are, the more comfortable you will be.
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If you receive local anesthesia during your wisdom teeth removal surgery, you'll be awake and conscious for the duration of the procedure. The surgeon will use a needle to inject the anesthetic into your jaws or gums, so that the area is fully numb and you won't feel any pain during the surgery.read more >>