Contents
You’re scheduled to have your wisdom teeth removed in a few days. You’ve heard horror stories from friends and are unsure what to expect. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! This post is designed to give you a detailed overview of the wisdom tooth removal process, from surgery to recovery.
We’ll cover everything from the types of anesthesia used to what to expect in the days and weeks following surgery. We’ll also discuss common side effects and how to care for your mouth during recovery. By the end of this post, you’ll know what to expect and feel confident that you’re prepared for surgery and recovery.
An Overview of Wisdom Teeth
You may have heard those wisdom teeth are removed for a number of reasons: cavities, wisdom tooth abscesses, broken wisdom teeth, and so on. But what does this actually entail?
In a nutshell, the dentist will extract wisdom teeth. This is done under general anesthesia, so you’ll be completely asleep and feel no pain. After the surgery, you may experience some discomfort and swelling, but this should go down within a few days.
You’ll be given a list of post-operative instructions to follow, which may include taking painkillers and antibiotics. You’ll also need to eat soft foods and avoid crunchy or sticky foods until your gums have healed.
The process usually takes a few weeks, but you should be feeling back to normal in no time.
Why Wisdom Teeth Are Removed
Now that you know a bit more about wisdom teeth, you’re probably wondering why they were removed in the first place.
For the most part, wisdom teeth are removed because they can cause problems. They might not grow in properly, they can cause crowding in the mouth, or they might get infected (which is known as an abscess).
If any of these things happen, it can lead to pain, swelling, and other problems. So in order to avoid all of that, it’s best to have them removed before they cause any trouble.
When to Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
You may have heard those wisdom teeth need to be removed as soon as possible, but the truth is, there’s no one “correct” time for everyone. In some cases, wisdom teeth can be left in without causing any problems.
However, there are a few reasons why you might want to consider having them removed sooner rather than later. If your wisdom teeth are impacted (meaning they’re not coming in properly), if they’re causing pain or infection, or if they’ve already started to decay, then it’s probably time for them to go.
Your dentist will be able to tell you if it’s time for your wisdom teeth to come out and will give you a timeframe for your surgery.
The Process of Wisdom Tooth Removal
The surgery itself is pretty straightforward. Your dentist will give you a local anesthetic so you won’t feel any pain, and then they’ll remove the tooth. It usually takes less than 30 minutes, and you can go back to work the next day.
The recovery process is a little more involved. You’ll probably be a little sore for a few days, and you’ll need to take it easy for a while. You might also experience some swelling and bruising. But don’t worry, it’s all normal. Just follow your dentist‘s instructions and you’ll be feeling better in no time.
Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery: What to Expect
Your dentist will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth. You’ll be awake during the surgery, but you won’t feel any pain. (However, you may feel some pressure and a sense of tugging.)
The dentist will then use special tools to remove the tooth. This can sometimes be done in one go, but sometimes it’s necessary to break the tooth into smaller pieces first. Once the tooth is out, the dentist will clean up the area and stitch it up.
The whole procedure usually takes about 30 minutes, and you can go home right after. You may experience some swelling and discomfort in the days following surgery, but this can be managed with painkillers and ice packs.
Aftercare and Recovery Following Wisdom Tooth Removal
Immediately after the procedure, you’ll be feeling a bit drowsy from the anesthesia. You may also feel some swelling and discomfort. But don’t worry, that will start to go down in a few days.
For the first few days, you’ll want to avoid crunchy or sticky foods. Soft foods like soup, yogurt, and scrambled eggs are good choices. You’ll also want to drink plenty of water to help flush out the anesthesia and keep your mouth clean.
If you have any pain or swelling, you can take over-the-counter painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs. If the pain is severe or if you have any other concerns, please call your dentist.
And finally, be sure to keep any follow-up appointments with your dentist so they can check on your healing progress.
Please Rate
