Why Do People Act Weird After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
If you’ve ever seen a viral video of someone acting completely out of character after wisdom teeth removal, you might be wondering—why does this happen? At Rockwall Oral Surgery, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to break down the science behind post-surgery antics.
The Effects of Anesthesia and Sedation
The main reason people act strange after their wisdom teeth removal? The lingering effects of anesthesia or sedation. Depending on the method used—local anesthesia, IV sedation, or general anesthesia—patients may experience different levels of grogginess, confusion, or even euphoria as they wake up.
Sedation medications work by depressing the central nervous system, which can lead to slurred speech, difficulty focusing, and an overall loopy feeling. As these medications wear off, patients may say or do things that they wouldn’t normally—sometimes to hilarious effect!
Emotional Rollercoaster
Another common side effect of anesthesia and sedation is emotional unpredictability. Many patients become overly happy, laughing uncontrollably at things that aren’t particularly funny. Others get teary-eyed for no apparent reason. This happens because the sedatives temporarily alter brain chemistry, affecting mood regulation and emotional responses.
Some people even confess their deepest secrets, profess their love to their caretakers, or react to everyday occurrences with exaggerated surprise or confusion.
Temporary Memory Loss
Certain sedation methods can cause short-term memory loss, especially IV sedation. This means patients may not remember what they said or did in the moments following their surgery. It’s why you might hear a patient asking the same question repeatedly or expressing surprise about their surgery being over—despite having heard the answer multiple times.
Physical Side Effects
Beyond the mental and emotional effects, physical sensations can also contribute to post-surgery weirdness. Because the mouth is still numb, patients might struggle to control their facial movements, leading to excessive drooling or difficulty speaking clearly. This lack of coordination can add to the overall goofy effect.
What to Expect as the Meds Wear Off
The good news? These effects are temporary. Most patients start feeling like themselves within a few hours, although some grogginess can last into the next day.
At Rockwall Oral Surgery, we always recommend having a trusted friend or family member present after your procedure to help you get home safely—and maybe even capture a few funny moments for the family archives (with permission, of course!).
If you have any concerns about the recovery process, our team is here to help. Give us a call at (469) 757-4433, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions!
