# So now it's confirmed (going in for wisdom teeth removal)

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-now-its-confirmed-going-in-for-wisdom-teeth-removal/366117>\
**Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\
**Created:** [July 26, 2006, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-now-its-confirmed-going-in-for-wisdom-teeth-removal/366117 "2006-07-26T17:30:38Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![DeadlyAccurate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ac91a4/32.png) [@DeadlyAccurate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeadlyAccurate)\
**Post date:** [July 27, 2006, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-now-its-confirmed-going-in-for-wisdom-teeth-removal/366117/21 "2006-07-27T19:34:34Z")

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> [@Kythereia](#):
>
> I’ve never been under anaesthetic before, and the thought of general kind of creeps me out–especially after reading Cecil’s article about people waking up while still paralyzed–but now I’ll print this thread out and keep it for the consultation. Thank you!

I completely understand, but it’s very unlikely to happen these days. For one thing, they tape a little device to your finger called a pulse oximeter and electrodes to your skin that help the anaesthesiologist monitor your vitals. He/She will notice the changes to your body (like your racing pulse) if you woke up.

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**Author:** ![Winston\_Smith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e95f7d/32.png) [@Winston\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Winston_Smith)\
**Post date:** [July 27, 2006, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-now-its-confirmed-going-in-for-wisdom-teeth-removal/366117/22 "2006-07-27T19:41:05Z")

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> [@Kythereia](#):
>
> Somebody, anybody, please reassure me that a) I might not have to get them out after all, b) local anaesthetic is an option, or c) general anaesthetic isn’t really all _that_ bad.

a) You should get them out, if your Dentists tells you so.  
b) It is, but that’s usually dependent upon your Dentist’s preference and etc.  
c) It’s not all that bad, really.

d) You get to spend a couple days in the velvety embrace of mild narcotic painkillers, which is actually kind of pleasant, considering the circumstances.

I got mine out when I was 17. It was really no trouble, and I’m thankful I did it.

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**Author:** ![SeaDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea5d25/32.png) [@SeaDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDog)\
**Post date:** [July 27, 2006, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-now-its-confirmed-going-in-for-wisdom-teeth-removal/366117/23 "2006-07-27T20:30:55Z")

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Best get them pulled when you are young. I got mine out this year (I’m 36) and was in pain for fully 6 weeks afterwards. It was an extreem case and required a bone graft in my jaw.  
Most folks seem to do just fine though, hope all goes well for you.

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