Here’s everything you need to know about this common dental surgery.

You’ve heard about wisdom teeth removal before, and now you’ve been told that you will need to have your wisdom teeth extracted soon. While wisdom teeth extraction is a very common (and important) dental procedure, you may be unsure about the process. Here is some information you’ll need to know as you prepare for your surgery.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are your back molars. They are typically the last adult teeth to come in, and unfortunately, wisdom teeth can cause a lot of problems.

Most people have four wisdom teeth that are located in the back corners of the jaw on both sides of your mouth, and on top and bottom. Some people don’t have all four wisdom teeth, and in those cases, extraction is usually only required for two or three teeth. A visit to G Dental 32 to get your regular teeth cleaning and dental exam, along with x-rays, will give your dentist all the information needed to determine if you need to have your wisdom teeth extracted, and how many teeth you have to extract.

Why do wisdom teeth need to be removed?

While not everyone needs to have the wisdom teeth extracted, most people do. This is because, for most people, there is not enough room in the jaw for wisdom teeth to grow in. This can cause both pain and disruption to your other teeth. It’s especially important to have your wisdom teeth removed if you’ve already had braces or other orthodontic work. If you don’t get your wisdom teeth removed and they grow in, causing your teeth to shift, your teeth could move back into the position your braces fixed, or even cause new problems.

Additionally, cysts and abscesses can grow beneath your wisdom teeth, causing discomfort, pain, and even infection. If your wisdom teeth are not impacted and emerge as usual, they can still cause problems—wisdom teeth are so far back in your mouth that they are difficult to clean, making them likely to develop cavities which means that your wisdom teeth will likely be more problematic in the long run if you keep them rather than surgically removing them.

What happens during wisdom teeth surgery?

Wisdom tooth extraction is always done under anesthesia, though there are three types that might be offered. It’s best to schedule an appointment to talk to one of our dentists to see what the best option for you might be. The three types of anesthesia available are:

• Local Anesthesia, when the dentist injects anesthesia to one or more spots near the site of the wisdom tooth extraction to numb your gums so you don’t feel any pain during the surgery.

• Sedation Anesthesia, when anesthesia is administered through an IV in your arm, suppressing your consciousness throughout the dental procedure so you don’t feel any pain.

• General Anesthesia, when anesthesia is administered via an IV or through inhalation and causes you to lose consciousness, meaning you will experience no pain and will have no memory of the procedure. Your breathing, heart rate, and overall well-being are monitored very closely while you are under general anesthesia.

While you are under anesthesia, the dentist will open the gum where the wisdom tooth is located. The doctor will then take out the tooth and also remove any bone that is covering the tooth.

Once the tooth is successfully removed, the spot of the tooth removal along your jaw will be thoroughly cleaned and cleared of any remaining debris. Then the wound is closed using stitches (if necessary.) Your dentist will let you know if the stitches will dissolve on their own or if you will need to come back in to have the stitches removed.

Finally, a swathe of cotton gauze is placed over the extraction site to help stop any bleeding.

What happens after wisdom tooth surgery?

After getting your wisdom teeth removed, you’ll need to take extra care and precautions with your teeth as the extraction sites heal. You will receive instructions from your dentist with details about what you can expect in the days after your surgery, but here are some general things to keep in mind:

• Stock up on soft foods. In the days after your wisdom tooth extraction, you won’t be able to chew without causing pain or potentially triggering bleeding. For the first twenty-four hours after surgery, avoid carbonated and hot beverages. Don’t drink with a straw—this can dislodge blood clots from the extraction site and cause problems.

• Manage pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be all that you need to manage your pain after surgery, or you may need prescription pain medication. Take your pain medication at regular intervals (according to the medication instructions) to help lessen discomfort. You may also find that an ice pack can help to relieve pain in your jaw.

• Treat swelling and bruising. Your cheeks may swell and be bruised in the days immediately following your wisdom tooth extraction—this is normal. Using an ice pack to help tame the swelling (and help ease any pain) is key. We’ll give you instructions for how often to use the ice pack and the best type to use.

• Clean your mouth according to instructions. We’ll give you instructions on how best to clean your mouth after your extraction, but don’t brush your teeth, use mouthwash, or spit during the first twenty-four hours after surgery. It’s important to be gentle when you resume brushing your teeth, too, so you don’t cause any irritation. We’ll give you tools to clean the wisdom tooth extraction sites to prevent infection.

Wisdom tooth extraction is a very common, and usually necessary, dental procedure. Removing your wisdom teeth can prevent problems in your jaw and with your other teeth, ensuring a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come. We’re here to help answer any questions you might have about the wisdom teeth removal process, and get you on your way to a happier smile! Contact us today to schedule your appointment and speak with our expert dental team about your wisdom tooth extraction.