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Teen Wisdom Teeth: Chair or Full Anaesthetic?

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When it comes to wisdom teeth extraction, one of the key decisions involves choosing between a chairside procedure with local anesthesia or opting for full anesthesia. Understanding the differences can help you and your teen feel more confident about the approach that best suits their needs.

Chairside Extraction with Local Anesthesia

For many teens, wisdom teeth can be removed safely and comfortably in the dental chair using local anesthesia. Here’s what to expect:
  • Local Numbing: A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area around the wisdom teeth, ensuring your teen doesn’t feel pain during the procedure. They’ll remain awake but relaxed, with the area fully numbed to avoid discomfort.
  • Short Recovery Time: Since your teen is awake, there’s no need for the additional recovery time associated with general anaesthesia. Most teens can go home shortly after the procedure and begin their recovery.
  • Less Complexity: Chairside extraction is typically quicker and less complex, making it a good option for less complicated cases where the teeth are not deeply impacted.
  • Lower Cost: Local anaesthesia is usually more cost-effective than full anaesthesia, making it a practical choice for many families.

Full Anesthesia (General Anesthesia)

In some cases, particularly when the wisdom teeth are deeply impacted or the extraction is expected to be complex, full anaesthesia may be recommended. Here’s how it differs:

  • Complete Sedation: With full anaesthesia, your teen will be fully asleep during the procedure, unaware of what’s happening. This can be beneficial for those who are particularly anxious about dental procedures or when multiple teeth are being removed at once.
  • Ideal for Complex Cases: Full anaesthesia is often chosen for surgical extractions where the teeth are close to nerves or other critical structures. It allows the oral surgeon to work more precisely without causing discomfort to the patient.
  • Longer Recovery Time: After the procedure, your teen will need time to wake up fully and will likely feel groggy for a few hours. The recovery period might be a bit longer, and they’ll need to be monitored until the effects of the anaesthesia wear off.
  • Higher Cost: Full anaesthesia involves additional medical resources, including an anaesthesiologist or nurse anaesthetist, which can increase the cost of the procedure.

Making the Choice

The choice between chairside extraction with local anaesthesia and full anaesthesia depends on several factors, including the complexity of the extraction, your teen’s comfort level, and any medical considerations. During the consultation, we’ll discuss these options in detail, considering what’s best for your teen’s specific situation. Our goal is to ensure the procedure is as comfortable and stress-free as possible, with a focus on safety and successful outcomes.