What to Expect From Wisdom Teeth Removal

For many people who have healthy wisdom teeth positioned correctly that have fully erupted, removal may no longer be necessary. But for others whose third and final molars don’t grow properly, pulling them will likely be the best course of action to avoid pain and other dental problems. Has your dentist recommended getting wisdom teeth extracted? Here’s what to expect from wisdom teeth removal.

 

Before the Surgery

You need to meet with your dentist for an initial consultation. During this meeting, they will discuss the procedure and the type of anesthesia they will use. Ask them about any concerns you might have. Your oral surgeon will go over your health history and ask about any medications you are taking. They may also ask you to sign a consent form. You’ll then have to make an appointment for the operation. It’s best to book sick days at work for the day of your tooth extraction and recovery time. Don’t forget to make arrangements for your children and pets too. Finally, see to it that there’s someone to drive you home from the clinic.

 

During the Surgery

Your dentist will likely be the one to remove your wisdom teeth. It’s also possible that they will refer you to a specialist surgeon for hospital treatment. Arrive on time for your wisdom teeth removal appointment. The surgery generally takes approximately 45 minutes. The extraction itself is not painful because you will be numb or asleep during the procedure. Your surgeon will recommend the best type of anesthesia for you. Once the drug kicks in, your oral surgeon will numb the wisdom teeth and their surrounding soft tissues using a local anesthetic. They will use surgical instruments to access the wisdom tooth. Your surgeon will make an incision onto your gums. They will remove the gum tissues that cover the wisdom tooth. Your surgeon will loosen and section the tooth to prepare it for removal. Once pulled out, they will stitch the wounds to close up the area.

 

After the Surgery

After the extraction is complete, your oral surgeon will slowly bring you out of sedation. Immediately after the procedure, you may feel the mild side effects of the anesthesia. These include shivering, dizziness, and nausea.

 

Your surgeon will give you a gauze to bite down and help the blood clot in the incision site. They will bring you to a recovery room for monitoring, which usually takes less than an hour. Once the specialist confirms that you’re stable, they will clear you to go home. It’s common to experience swelling and feel groggy after the surgery. You will not feel that much discomfort right away. But it will likely increase as the local anesthetic wears off.

 

Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide you with detailed post-operative care instructions to follow. Proper aftercare will include replacing the gauze pads upon arriving home. You will also be asked to keep your head elevated to minimize swelling. Applying ice to your cheeks next to where the tooth was extracted is also advisable to reduce pain and inflammation. Your surgeon will surely ask you to rest for a day or two, drink plenty of water, and stick to soft foods for the first few days following the surgery.

 

Learn more about getting your wisdom teeth pulled & the procedure, contact Concierge Smile Boutique in Culver City, California at (424) 404-6400.