Wisdom teeth removal is a common surgical procedure often associated with the distinct feeling of being “high” afterward. This altered state is a direct result of the sedation medications administered during the extraction process. The duration of this euphoric or groggy feeling depends heavily on the specific type of anesthetic used and how quickly an individual’s body processes the medication.
Understanding the Sedation Used
The feeling of being “high” is a side effect of the drugs used for relaxation, amnesia, and pain control during the procedure. Oral surgeons typically employ several methods, including Nitrous Oxide, intravenous (IV) sedation, or general anesthesia. Each method works by temporarily depressing the central nervous system (CNS), which causes the altered state of consciousness.
Nitrous Oxide, often called laughing gas, is a mild sedative inhaled through a mask, producing a light, euphoric feeling. This gaseous agent affects the CNS quickly but is also cleared rapidly by breathing oxygen after the procedure. IV sedation, or monitored anesthesia care, involves administering sedative medications directly into a vein, creating a deeper state of relaxation and often causing amnesia. The drugs used in IV sedation, such as benzodiazepines or opioids, are metabolized by the body’s organs, which takes longer than breathing them out.
The Immediate Duration of the Altered State
The acute, noticeable “high” sensation begins to fade almost immediately after the administration of the sedatives stops. For patients who only received Nitrous Oxide, the effects are extremely short-lived, often wearing off within five to ten minutes of removing the mask. Because the gas is quickly flushed from the system, these patients can often resume normal activities, including driving, shortly after the procedure.
For those who received IV sedation, the initial, intense grogginess lasts longer as the body works to metabolize the drugs. While the deepest effects diminish quickly, the noticeable feeling of being euphoric, disoriented, or extremely drowsy typically persists for anywhere from one to four hours after the IV line is removed. Individual factors, such as the specific drugs used, the total dose administered, and the patient’s metabolism, determine the exact duration. Most patients remain under supervision in the recovery area until they are stable and able to walk with assistance.
Residual Impairment and Safety Guidelines
Even after the intense feeling of being “high” has subsided, a period of residual impairment exists while the sedatives continue to clear from the bloodstream. This post-sedation state can include subtle effects like reduced reaction time, impaired judgment, and short-term memory issues. The potential for functional impairment lasts much longer than the initial feeling of euphoria, which is why strict safety protocols are necessary.
Dental and surgical guidelines recommend a mandatory 24-hour restriction period following any procedure involving IV sedation or general anesthesia. During this time, the patient must have a responsible adult escort them home and remain with them to monitor their recovery. Patients must avoid activities that require full mental alertness and coordination, even if they feel completely fine. This includes operating a motor vehicle, heavy machinery, and making important legal or financial decisions. This 24-hour rule provides a buffer for the body to fully process and eliminate the lingering effects of the central nervous system depressants.
Other Common Post-Operative Effects
Beyond the effects of sedation, several other physical symptoms contribute to a patient feeling unwell or restricted in the first 24 hours following wisdom teeth removal.
Pain Management
Pain is expected once the local anesthetic wears off, requiring management with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication. Taking these medications, especially opioids, can sometimes introduce or worsen side effects like nausea and vomiting.
Swelling and Discomfort
Swelling is a natural response to the surgical trauma, usually beginning shortly after the procedure and peaking between 48 and 72 hours later. Applying ice packs intermittently can help manage this swelling, but it still limits jaw movement and contributes to discomfort.
Fatigue and Numbness
Fatigue and drowsiness are common, as the body expends energy healing and recovering from the surgery. Patients might also experience temporary numbness in the lips or tongue due to nerve irritation, which typically resolves over a period of days to weeks.