Local anaesthesia is generally used when one or two wisdom teeth are being removed at the same time and when patients are not nervous of the dental procedure. General anaesthesia may be used when patients are removing all 4 wisdom teeth under one visit.
Local anaesthesia is medication injected into area/site of wisdom tooth removal to temporarily numb the area so that during the procedure, you do not feel any discomfort.
General anaesthesia is medication administered to allow the patient to be completely unconscious and unresponsive during the procedure so that no pain is felt. This can only be done in a hospital setting or specialised surgery centres.
However, GA is no longer as commonly used for wisdom tooth related dental procedures any more as there is an even more cost efficient and less drastic option, which is intravenous sedation.
Intravenous sedation is medication administered through a vein to allow patient to enter a deep state of relaxation. You will still be able to respond to your dental specialist's/dentist's signals, when required. We work with medical anaesthetists who will monitor your vital signs throughout the procedure. This is suitable for patients who are nervous about the dental treatment and prefer not to be aware of the process.
Best regards,
Dr Ho Kok Sen, Oral Surgeon
