Do you have an upcoming date with the dental chair for a wisdom teeth removal process? Wisdom teeth are essentially not bad.
Wisdom teeth are third molars that emerge anytime between the ages of 17 and 21. If they come out and grow correctly, they can perform their main function of helping you chew food. However, this is not always the case.
About five million people undergo surgery on their wisdom teeth. You may need surgery when your teeth don’t align properly and cause pain. As for the extraction process, it comes with many steps that start days before the surgery.
Continue reading below as we break down the things you can expect in the wisdom teeth process. We’ll provide you a brief explanation for the removal before, during, and after the surgery.
Before the Surgery
Before the wisdom teeth removal, you’ll need to go through steps for preparation. Firstly, your dental surgeon will give you a rundown on what to expect during the surgery. During the appointment, you will also discuss any health problems you currently have.
It’s also important to tell your dentist about your current medication. This is also the perfect time for you to ask all your questions about the procedure.
The dentist will also discuss the type of anesthesia you might need. Generally, there are three types of anesthesia that you can use during the procedure:
- Local
- General
- IV sedation.
With local anesthesia, the dentist will number your mouth using Novocaine or Mepivacaine. In some cases, the dentist may also use laughing gas to sedate you during surgery.
Meanwhile, general anesthesia involves inserting the anesthetic through your vein. Alternatively, it can be through a gas. With general anesthesia, you will fall asleep and wake up about an hour after the procedure.
As for IV sedation, it features inserting the anesthetic through your vein. You also have to feel your mouth going numb with a shot of anesthetic.
Your dentist will determine the best type of anesthetic for your case. He or she will weigh all the key factors to ensure your safety during the procedure.
Additionally, you should ask your dentist the exact time you need to be in the clinic. Be sure to ask if you should fast or avoid any kinds of food and drinks.
Surgery Day
Wisdom teeth removal normally takes about 45 minutes or less. Even if the surgery is short, the anesthesia will keep you out for quite some time. Thus, it is best to have someone accompany you and drive you home after the surgery.
Upon sitting on the dental chair, the surgeon will prep you for anesthesia. Once the anesthetics kick in, the dentist will begin the extraction. The dentist will first make an incision in the gum tissue.
In turn, this will expose the teeth and bone he or she needs to work on. The dentist will then remove the bone that is blocking access to the root of the tooth.
Thereafter, the dentist will divide the tooth into different sections. This makes it easier for the surgeon to remove the tooth than to pull it off in one piece.
After extracting the divided tooth, the dentist will then clean the site. He or she will take out any debris coming from the tooth, as well as the bone.
To complete the procedure, the surgeon will stitch and close the wound. You can also expect the dentist to put some gauze over the extraction site. This will help control the bleeding and facilitate a blood clot.
After the Surgery
After the surgery, you will have to move to a recovery room. This is a protocol for patients who took IV sedation or general anesthesia. You will wait there until you get your bearings back.
When it comes to pain, most patients only feel a little amount after the surgery. You will likely be able to return to work and go back to your daily routine.
It’s also possible to feel discomfort for three days to a week. This is normal, as your mouth is still recovering. You may also experience some bleeding a day after the extraction.
When this happens, do not spit out the blood. If you spit, you may dislodge the blood clot and cause more bleeding.
If ever the pain is disrupting your mobility, you may take Tylenol or other OTC pain relievers. Since there will be some swelling and bruising, it is best to apply an ice pack to your cheeks.
Make sure you drink plenty of water for the entire week after the surgery. However, avoid coffee, sodas, and alcoholic drinks for the first 24 hours after surgery. Use a straw for the next week when drinking water.
Stick to soft foods for the first 24 hours after the procedure. You also want to avoid any spicy food, as it can irritate your wound.
You also want to avoid brushing your teeth for a full day. Once you start brushing again, be gentle on the extraction area.
Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal offers many benefits. For starters, there will be less crowding on your gums due to the extra tooth. An overcrowded dentition can damage your molars and can cause long-term alignment issues.
Removing your wisdom teeth reduces the risk of developing oral disease and inflammation. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause inflammation on your gums. This will also promote infection under the gums.
The infection can reach the nerves and reach your bloodstream. When this happens, you may develop sepsis, which can at times be fatal.
With different reasons causing toothaches, you need to understand the signs pointing to a wisdom teeth removal. You can find out now about the signs that tell you it’s time to see your oral surgeon.
Boost Your Dental Health
Understanding the wisdom teeth removal procedure can make you feel more comfortable. You can reduce any dental anxiety and recover faster after the procedure. However, getting your wisdom tooth removed is not the only dental issue you need to worry about.
We invite you to read our other articles on oral health. We discuss topics on proper dental care, dental treatments, and the best products you can use.
