We’ve all seen them. Someone is slumped in the passenger seat of a minivan, gauze stuffed into their cheeks like a chipmunk, sobbing because they think they’ve lost their tongue or, worse, because they’re convinced they are a wizard. It’s a specific genre of internet gold. Funny wisdom teeth videos have been a staple of YouTube and TikTok for over a decade, and honestly, they aren’t going anywhere. There is something fundamentally human about watching a person lose all their social filters because of a heavy dose of anesthesia.
It’s the vulnerability. When you’re coming off propofol or midazolam—the "twilight sleep" drugs most oral surgeons use—your brain’s prefrontal cortex is basically offline. That’s the part of you that says, "Hey, don't tell your mom you've actually been a secret agent for the CIA since third grade." Without that filter, pure, unadulterated nonsense spills out. It’s hilarious. It’s also a little fascinating from a medical perspective.
The Science of the "Post-Op High"
Why do these videos even happen? It isn't just "being drunk." It’s actually a state called anterograde amnesia mixed with disinhibition. Most oral surgeries involve a cocktail of drugs. You’ve got your benzodiazepines (like Valium or Versed) which handle the anxiety and the memory wiping. Then you’ve got the opioids for pain, and sometimes a hypnotic like propofol to keep you under.
When the procedure ends, the hypnotic wears off fast. But the "benzo" lingers. This leaves the patient awake but unable to form new memories or control their impulses. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), this recovery period varies wildly from person to person. Some people just get sleepy. Others decide to confess their undying love to a box of chicken nuggets.
The "looping" is the most common feature of funny wisdom teeth videos. You’ll see a kid ask where his phone is, get an answer, look away, and then ask again four seconds later. His brain simply didn't "save" the previous interaction. It’s like a computer with no hard drive, just RAM.
Legends of the Genre: From David After Dentist to Millicent
If we’re talking about the history of the "anesthesia fail," we have to talk about the pioneers. While not strictly a wisdom tooth video, David After Dentist (2009) set the blueprint. "Is this real life?" became a cultural touchstone. But the wisdom tooth sub-genre really peaked with videos like the "Brothers Convince Little Sister of Zombie Apocalypse."
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In that 2016 viral hit, two brothers took advantage of their sister Millicent’s post-op fog to convince her a literal zombie outbreak was happening. They had a fake radio broadcast ready. They made her choose between the cat or the dog. Her panicked, drug-addled decision-making—"The cat, you idiot!"—is exactly why these videos work. It’s high-stakes drama played out in a world that doesn’t exist.
Then there’s the "Dubai" girl. She was convinced she woke up from surgery and was suddenly a billionaire in the Middle East. She was devastated to find out she was actually in a parking lot in suburban America. These stories resonate because they’re relatable. Most of us have a "dumb thing I said" story from the dentist, even if it wasn't caught on 4K video.
Why We Can’t Stop Watching
Psychologically, there’s a term for this: schadenfreude, but with a heart. We aren't laughing because the person is in pain—usually, they aren't feeling anything at all. We’re laughing at the absurdity of the human ego being stripped away.
Think about it. We spend our whole lives trying to look cool. We curate our Instagrams. We polish our resumes. Then, a 20-minute surgery happens, and suddenly we’re crying because we realized we have teeth. It’s a great equalizer. Whether you’re a high school athlete or a corporate CEO, you’re going to look equally ridiculous with a bloody mouth and a head wrap.
The Ethics of the Camera Phone
Not everyone is a fan of the trend. Some medical professionals, and even some parents, argue that filming someone in a state of diminished capacity is a bit of a gray area. There’s no "informed consent" when you’re high on Midazolam.
However, most people who go viral for funny wisdom teeth videos lean into it. They end up on Ellen or The Today Show. It’s a badge of honor. But if you’re planning a surgery soon, you might want to have a serious talk with your "ride home" about whether or not your recovery is going to be public property.
Common Misconceptions About Post-Op Behavior
People think you’ll tell all your darkest secrets. Truthfully? Most "secrets" told in funny wisdom teeth videos are complete fabrications. The brain is just trying to fill in the gaps. If a kid says he robbed a bank, he probably didn’t; his brain just grabbed a random "crime" file from his memory to explain why he feels weird.
- "You'll reveal your crush." Maybe. But you're more likely to talk about a fictional character or a sandwich you had in 2014.
- "Everyone gets 'high'." Nope. Some people just wake up grumpy. Others wake up crying for no reason. It’s a total roll of the dice.
- "It lasts for hours." The "viral" part of the recovery usually only lasts about 15 to 30 minutes. Once the blood starts pumping and the drugs metabolize, the filter comes back online pretty quickly.
Preparing for Your Own Viral Moment (Or Avoiding It)
If you’re the one getting your third molars yanked, you have some control. If you don't want to end up on the "Top Weekly Fails" list, tell your driver to leave the phone in the glove box. Or, go the other way. Lean into it.
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How to Film a "Good" Wisdom Tooth Video
If you are the designated driver and want to capture a gem, keep these tips in mind:
- Keep it short. Nobody wants to watch 10 minutes of someone mumbling.
- Ask open-ended questions. Instead of "Are you okay?", try "What do you think about the current state of the moon?"
- Watch for the "loops." If they start repeating a phrase, that’s where the comedy gold is.
- Safety first. Make sure they aren't choking on their gauze or trying to jump out of the moving car because they think they can fly.
The dental industry has changed, too. Surgeons are used to the cameras now. Some even find it helpful for the patient to see later, so they understand why they were told certain post-op instructions three times.
Ultimately, these videos are a snapshot of a very specific, very weird part of the human experience. They remind us that deep down, we’re all just slightly confused mammals trying to make sense of a world that occasionally feels like it’s full of zombies or free Ferraris.
Actionable Steps for Patients and Caregivers
For the Patient:
- Appoint a "Digital Guardian." Tell your caregiver explicitly if they are allowed to film or post. Set the boundaries before the IV goes in.
- Hydrate the day before. It helps with the recovery and might make you less "loopy" and more "sleepy."
- Don't check your own social media. Seriously. Do not post anything yourself for at least four hours after you get home. You will regret the "I love everyone" tweet.
For the Caregiver:
- The Gauze Check. Ensure the patient isn't talking so much they dislodge the clot. Dry socket is no joke and definitely isn't funny.
- Record for Posterity, Not Just Clout. Even if you don't post it, the video might be a hilarious family memory for later.
- Listen for the "Truth." Sometimes, through the nonsense, they’ll actually tell you if they’re in pain or nauseous. Distinguish between the "funny" talk and actual medical distress.
The era of funny wisdom teeth videos isn't over; it's just evolving. As long as we have teeth that don't fit in our mouths and drugs that make us forget who we are, we'll have people crying over the fact that they aren't a mermaid. Just remember to keep the ice packs ready and the camera steady.