Can I Drive After Getting a Tooth Extraction?
The complexity of a tooth extraction may vary. Some tooth extractions are relatively simple and minimally invasive. However, the extraction of impacted teeth, especially wisdom teeth, are more complex and invasive. If your tooth extraction procedure is being performed by an oral surgeon, your case is probably on the more complex end of the spectrum.
What does this mean in terms of recovery? Can I drive after getting a tooth extraction? Here’s what you need to know to prepare for your procedure.
Why See an Oral Surgeon For a Tooth Extraction?
You may need to see an oral surgeon for a tooth extraction in some specific circumstances:
- Impacted teeth. The most common reason to see an oral surgeon is for an impacted tooth. This means that the tooth is stuck completely or partially below the gums and is unable to fully erupt. Wisdom teeth are often impacted and require removal by an oral surgeon.
- Teeth in pieces. If a tooth is broken into multiple pieces or if the root is broken below the gums, an oral surgeon may need to perform the extraction to ensure that all pieces are removed.
- Risk of bone damage. If the jaw bone is weak or damaged in the area of the tooth extraction, an oral surgeon can carefully extract the tooth without causing additional damage to the jaw.
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons are the experts in oral surgery procedures, including exodontia (tooth removal). For any tooth extraction big or small, an oral surgeon is uniquely and expertly trained to make your experience as smooth as possible.
Types of Anesthesia Used For Tooth Extraction
The most important factor in determining driving ability after tooth extraction is the type of anesthesia you receive. Common types include:
- Local anesthesia. A local anesthetic is applied directly to the area of the extraction to numb the nerves and prevent discomfort.
- Nitrous oxide. The lowest level of sedation available for oral surgery procedures is nitrous oxide. This is a gas that you breathe in through a mask over your nose. It provides a calm, relaxing feeling that takes effect quickly and wears off quickly.
- IV sedation. Medication can be administered through an IV to carefully control the level of sedation. IV sedation may be mild, moderate, or deep according to your needs and preferences.
- General anesthesia. Used only for more invasive procedures, general anesthesia is hospital-grade sedation. It can only be administered in a hospital setting or outpatient surgical center.
Driving Ability After Tooth Extraction
If you have local anesthesia or nitrous oxide, you will most likely be capable of driving yourself home afterwards. However, if you have IV sedation or general anesthesia, you will need someone to drive you home after your procedure. You will also need someone to stay with you to provide care following your tooth extraction if you received IV or general anesthesia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Extraction
How long does it take to recover after tooth extraction?
You may need anywhere from 1-3 days to recover after a tooth extraction. If you have IV or general anesthesia, you may need more time to recover on the day of the procedure.. You should experience full healing within 2-3 weeks of your extraction.
Should I have all 4 wisdom teeth removed at once?
If even one of your wisdom teeth is impacted, it is usually in your best interest to have them all removed. This way you can get it taken care of all at once, rather than having to go back another time to get the other teeth removed if they become problematic later on.
Learn More From Lucca Oral & Facial Surgery
If you have an upcoming appointment for a tooth extraction, or you think you may need a consultation, call Lucca Oral & Facial surgery at 617-300-0345 or contact us today to schedule an appointment. We can answer all of your questions about tooth extraction and provide any necessary treatment.