Is general anesthesia common for a wisdom tooth extraction ?

Sometimes: depending on how difficult the projected extraction is thought to be.

Yes: Allows treatment on both sides at the same visit.

I'm an : anesthesiologist and I recently chose local only anesthesia. Too short a procedure to make the big deal general anesthesia worth it

Yes: Yes. There are patients in whom it is not as safe. Then light IV sedation, oral sedation, or local anesthesia better. For best results with wisdom teeth, including widest array of anesthetic options, make sure you are evaluated and treated by a board certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon.