Having your wisdom teeth removed may seem scary, but it is a relatively routine dental procedure that can actually prevent issues with your oral health. If you’re nervous about what’s going on, being aware of what happens can make the entire process so much more manageable.
Here, in this blog, we’re going to take you through each step of wisdom teeth removal from preparation to healing so that you know what you’re getting yourself into and will feel more relaxed during the experience.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars, which appear at the back of your mouth, normally between 17 to 25 years old. Some individuals don’t experience any issues when they erupt, but others might face problems such as the teeth being stuck, developing sideways, or leading to crowding.
When that happens, extracting wisdom teeth becomes necessary to avoid pain, infections, and damage to nearby teeth.
Why Wisdom Teeth Are Extracted?
Following are the most prevalent reasons dental practitioners give for wisdom tooth extractions:
- Jammed teeth between the jaw bones or under the gums.
- Discomfort or swelling
- Infection or gum diseases
- Crowding that impacts other teeth’s alignment
- Tooth decay that cannot be filled because of its position
If you have any of these, your dentist may give you wisdom tooth extractions in Grande Prairie to save you from future dental complications.
How to Prepare for the Procedure?
Before your dentist or oral surgeon removes the tooth, they will:
- Check your mouth with X-rays to locate your wisdom teeth
- Talk to you about what kind of anesthesia you will have (local, sedation, or general)
- Give you pre-surgery instructions, like fasting if you’re sedated
You may need to arrange for someone to bring you home if you’re being sedated or have a general anesthetic.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Here’s a simple breakdown of what happens when you’re getting your wisdom teeth removed:
Anesthesia: You’ll be given local anesthesia to numb the area and possibly sedation to help you relax.
Reaching the Tooth: If the tooth isn’t visible in the gums, the dentist will carefully make a small cut to access it.
Taking Out the Tooth: Sometimes the tooth is taken out in smaller pieces. You won’t feel any pain, just some pressure during the process.
Stitches: If necessary, the dentist will sew up the area to help it heal. Some stitches go away by themselves.
The entire process usually takes 45 minutes or less, depending on the number and position of the teeth.
Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Extraction
After your procedure, you’ll be moved to a recovery area where your dentist will go over aftercare instructions. Here’s what you can expect:
- Some swelling and discomfort for a few days
- Mild bleeding on the first day
- Soft foods only (like yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup) for a few days
- No smoking or drinking through a straw, as it can cause complications like dry socket
You’ll likely feel much better after 3 to 5 days, and full healing takes about 1 to 2 weeks. Your dentist may schedule a follow-up to check your recovery progress.
Tips for A Smooth Recovery
- Use an ice pack to reduce swelling
- Keep your head elevated while resting
- Take medications as prescribed
- Begin gently rinsing your mouth with salt water one day after the procedure.
If you have strong pain, fever, or a lot of bleeding, contact your dentist in Grande Prairie immediately.
Count On Dental Care Centre for Pain-Free Wisdom Teeth Removal!
We know that after your wisdom tooth removal, you might feel scared, but it doesn’t have to be. Our skilled team in Grande Prairie uses modern methods to make the process safe, gentle, and help you heal quickly.
If you are in pain or want to prevent future dental issues, our trusted dentist in Grande Prairie will be able to help.
Make an appointment today and start down the path of a healthier, pain-free smile!