What to Expect with Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, causing tight spacing, pain, misalignment, and decay. Your dentist will recommend extracting the teeth and will most likely refer you to an oral surgeon for the procedure, which is fairly routine.

Read on to find out what you should expect from wisdom teeth removal surgery.

Before Surgery

The standard procedure is that your oral surgeon will ask you some general questions about any health issues or drugs that you take. Be open and honest with any questions, as the surgeon needs to have complete information before starting the procedure.

Feel free to ask any questions you might have about the surgery. You can also opt for the type of anesthesia you prefer, whether you want to sleep during the whole process or be awake.

Anesthesia

If your anxiety levels are escalating before the surgery, your dentist may sedate you in order to help you relax. The sedative is usually injected into your arm.

Depending on your choice, you will be put to sleep through a drug in the vein, or you might be asked to breathe in gas from a mask. For numbing, the surgeon will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic.

During Surgery

The whole surgery takes less than an hour. If your wisdom tooth hasn’t cut through your gums, the surgeon will make a small incision to access the tooth. The tooth itself might need to be cut into smaller pieces to make the removal easier.

You will feel a slight pressure in the area but should not feel any pain. If an incision was made, the dentist would insert dissolvable stitches to help the wound heal. You may leave with gauze pads as well to help with minimal bleeding after the surgery.

After Surgery

Different people have different experiences after having their wisdom teeth removed. You might feel some swelling or discomfort in your mouth for a few days. The main thing is to follow your surgeon’s instructions, as this will aid in your healing process and help you to avoid any post-op complications.

Conclusion

Wisdom teeth removal isn’t anything to be worried about. While it may be uncomfortable to deal with, it is normal and easily treatable. If you are looking for a dentist in Wichita, KS, visit our website to schedule an appointment.