Understanding Wisdom Teeth Extraction: What to Expect Before, During, & After Surgery

Wisdom teeth extraction is one of the most commonly performed oral surgeries by the surgeons at 47 North. For you or your child, it is a new experience. It’s natural to be a bit worried about the procedure and recovery. Rest assured that you will be well cared for and that we will treat you and your child with care, professionalism, and compassion.

Why We’re Extracting Your Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the only teeth that are not essential to eating and speaking properly. Most people don’t have enough room to accommodate them in the back of the mouth, causing a variety of problems when they try to emerge. If we have recommended wisdom teeth extraction, it is for one of several reasons:

  • The tooth is impacted and trapped beneath the gums or jawbone. Impacted teeth can lead to pain, swelling, and even infections.
  • The wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to erupt properly, crowding the other teeth and pushing them out of alignment.
  • One or more of the wisdom teeth are decayed or infected due to their location and difficulty keeping them clean.
  • The wisdom teeth are in a position in the jawbone that will lead to complications in the future. Proactively removing them will prevent more serious dental issues later in life.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure

Wisdom teeth extraction is an outpatient procedure performed in our office. Before your surgery, you’ll consult with one of our oral surgeons. X-rays and an examination will help us determine the complexity of the surgery and design a treatment plan. Anesthesia and sedation options will be discussed at this time.

On the day of the procedure, your surgeon will administer the chosen form of anesthesia to numb the surgical area and help you relax. Depending on your comfort level and the difficulty of the extraction, the anesthesia may leave you fully awake, lightly sedated, or completely unconscious during the procedure.

Once the anesthesia takes effect, your oral surgeon will make small incisions in the gums to access the wisdom teeth. If the teeth are impacted, the surgeon may need to remove small portions of bone. Sometimes, the teeth may be sectioned into smaller pieces for easier removal. The entire procedure typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour. After removing the teeth, the surgeon stitches the surgical site using dissolving stitches.

Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Extraction

After surgery, proper care is essential for a smooth recovery and to minimize the risk of complications such as dry socket (a condition where the blood clot protecting the extraction site is dislodged). Here’s what you can do to ensure a quicker and more comfortable recovery:

  1. Rest: Rest is crucial after wisdom teeth removal. Avoid physical exertion for at least 48 hours after surgery to prevent bleeding and swelling. Keep your head elevated to minimize any bleeding or swelling. This is the ideal time to catch up on movies or a good book. When sleeping, prop yourself up on extra pillows for the first two nights.
  1. Pain Management: You will likely experience some swelling and discomfort in the first few days after the procedure. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen are usually helpful in managing this pain. Applying ice packs to your face can also reduce swelling. If these aren’t helping, please get in touch with our office to request a prescription pain reliever.
  1. Diet: Stick to a soft diet for the first few days, avoiding anything crunchy, sticky, or spicy that might irritate the surgical site. Good food options include yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, and smoothies. Avoid using straws, as sucking can dislodge the blood clot and cause a dry socket.
  1. Oral Hygiene: You should maintain oral hygiene but avoid brushing near the extraction site for at least 24 hours. Afterward, gently rinse your mouth with salt water to keep the area clean, but avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting.
  1. Follow-Up Care: Attend all follow-up appointments to ensure the healing process is on track. If you experience excessive bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection (such as fever), contact our office immediately.

Wisdom teeth extraction is a common procedure with a relatively straightforward recovery. Understanding the reasons for extraction, the steps involved in the procedure, and how to properly care for yourself afterward will help ensure a positive experience. By following the above advice and any instructions we provide on the day of surgery, you’ll be back to your normal routine in no time.

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