As I recall, when I had my wisdom teeth out (around 1999-2000) the oral surgeon offered three options - local anesthetic only, local + some anesthetic gas (I remember he called it the &quot;la-la land option&quot;), or a full &quot;you&#x27;re totally out&quot; anesthetic.  I took the  middle option, and I have some vague memories of people standing over me pulling on something in my mouth, but that&#x27;s it.  That would&#x27;ve been a pretty damn unpleasant experience if I was fully conscious, even if there was no pain.