What Makes You Loopy After Wisdom Teeth Removal Explained
What Makes You Loopy After Wisdom Teeth Removal Explained

If you’ve ever seen a viral video of someone fresh out of wisdom teeth surgery acting like they’re on another planet, you’ve probably laughed, paused, and wondered—what on earth is going on here? Why do so many people say the weirdest things after this seemingly simple dental procedure? Is everyone just being dramatic—or is there something truly chemical happening behind the scenes?
Let’s settle the curiosity. In this article, we’re diving into what really causes that famous post-wisdom-teeth “loopiness,” how different forms of sedation work, why not everyone experiences the same effects, and what to expect in different parts of the world, including if you’re wondering about what makes you loopy after wisdom teeth removal UAE. Whether you’re prepping for your own procedure or just love dental science, read on.
First Things First: Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Wisdom teeth are your third molars, the last ones to come in—typically between ages 17 and 25. The problem is, our modern jaws aren’t always big enough to make room for these latecomers. When that happens, wisdom teeth can grow in crooked, get stuck (impacted), or press against other teeth, causing pain and other dental issues.
Dentists often recommend removing them to avoid:
- Infections
- Jaw pain
- Cyst development
- Shifting of other teeth
But it’s not the actual tooth extraction that makes people act like they’ve lost their minds for a bit. That all starts with what happens before and during the procedure.
What Actually Makes You Loopy?
Let’s get straight to it: the reason you feel “loopy” after getting your wisdom teeth removed isn’t because of the teeth or the pain. It’s because of the sedation or anesthesia used during the procedure.
Depending on how complex your surgery is and your comfort level, your dentist or oral surgeon might use:
- Local anesthesia (you’re awake, but the area is numb)
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas; relaxes you while you stay conscious)
- IV sedation (you’re semi-conscious and won’t remember much)
- General anesthesia (you’re completely asleep)
People who wake up “loopy” have usually had either IV sedation or general anesthesia.
These forms of sedation work by slowing down the activity in your brain—especially the parts that control memory, awareness, self-control, and emotion. When those areas are dulled or temporarily turned off, your brain doesn’t function quite the same. The result? You might say the first thing that pops into your head… and you might not even remember doing it.
Breaking Down the Science
To understand what makes you loopy after wisdom teeth removal, let’s look at the brain chemicals involved.
The sedatives used (like Midazolam, Propofol, or Diazepam) all increase the action of a chemical called GABA—short for gamma-aminobutyric acid. GABA is like your brain’s natural brake pedal. It calms everything down, lowers anxiety, and reduces neural activity.
When GABA is enhanced by medication, here’s what often happens:
- Your memory formation is paused — you won’t remember what you said
- Your inhibitions drop — you’ll say or do things you normally wouldn’t
- You may feel overly emotional, giddy, or confused
- You could experience slurred speech and slowed thinking
In short: your “filter” turns off. You become the uncut version of yourself for a while.
Why Some People Are Loopier Than Others
Not everyone wakes up singing Disney songs or crying over their nurse’s haircut. Some people come out of anesthesia just a little drowsy and quiet. Others are completely incoherent.
What gives?
Several things influence how “loopy” someone gets after surgery:
- Body size and metabolism — affects how quickly drugs are processed
- Previous experiences with anesthesia
- Dosage and type of sedative
- Anxiety levels before surgery
- Natural personality traits
So if you’re searching what makes you loopy after wisdom teeth removal near me, understand that while the medical cause is the same, your individual response could be totally different from your friend’s.
The UAE Experience: Any Differences?
You may also wonder whether the experience differs by location. Say you’re living in the Emirates and asking, what makes you loopy after wisdom teeth removal UAE—would the medications or side effects be different?
Not really. Clinics across the UAE, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, follow internationally approved standards for sedation. Whether it’s nitrous oxide or IV anesthesia, the medications and their effects are virtually the same as in the U.S. or Europe.
However, dental facilities in the UAE often emphasize comfort and safety in more luxurious settings, and may also offer tailored sedation options depending on the clinic.
So yes—what makes you loopy after wisdom teeth removal UAE is no different from anywhere else. But the level of service and patient care may be more personalized.
How Long Does the Loopy Feeling Last?
In most cases, the foggy or silly behavior wears off within an hour or two. Some people feel drowsy or slightly “off” for the rest of the day. It really depends on your body’s response and how long the procedure lasted.
A few quick pointers:
- Don’t drive or operate machinery for at least 24 hours
- Have someone stay with you for the first several hours post-surgery
- Don’t make major decisions right after anesthesia—you’re not in your best state
This is why dentists insist someone accompanies you to and from the clinic.
The Aftermath: When the Real Healing Begins
Once the effects of sedation wear off, your attention shifts to the recovery phase. You might deal with swelling, minor bleeding, and discomfort for a few days. Most of the time, soft foods, rest, and proper aftercare are all you need.
Helpful tips for smooth recovery:
- Stick to soups, yogurt, smoothies, and mashed potatoes
- Avoid straws — they can cause dry socket
- Use cold compresses to reduce swelling
- Take any prescribed pain relievers and antibiotics
- Rinse gently with warm salt water after the first day
If you’re looking for reliable post-op care guidance, this wisdom tooth recovery resource can help walk you through every step.
Should You Record Your Friend After Surgery?
This is the big ethical question. Sure, it might seem harmless to capture a funny moment—but the person on camera is technically under the influence of medication and not fully themselves.
If you plan to record someone, get their permission before the procedure, when they’re fully aware. Some people are fine with it and even request it. Others might feel embarrassed later.
Laughter is good—but respect matters more.
What Stoodmens Brings to the Table
Understanding these medical moments is important—and that’s something the team at stoodmens believes in. Rather than only focusing on procedures and outcomes, they prioritize education, empathy, and patient awareness.
Whether you’re heading into surgery or helping someone else recover, stoodmens continues to support people through reliable guidance, step-by-step resources, and real human insight.
In Conclusion
So, to recap: what makes you loopy after wisdom teeth removal?
It’s not a mystery. It’s a temporary side effect of powerful sedation medications that affect your brain’s ability to reason, remember, and restrain. You’re not broken, and you’re definitely not alone.
People everywhere—from California to the UAE—have walked out of oral surgery dazed, amused, and sometimes revealing things they never meant to say out loud. It’s all part of the healing journey.
Give your brain time to recover, be gentle with yourself, and remember: the loopiness is temporary, but the stories? They’ll last forever.