What Should You Expect From Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction Surgery?
Wisdom teeth are the third and the last set of molars in the top & bottom back corners of your mouth. Most people expect their wisdom tooth eruption between 17 and 25 years of age.
However, not everyone experiences wisdom tooth eruptions. If you are experiencing the painful complications of a wisdom tooth eruption and planning to get it surgically removed, here’s what to expect.
Why a wisdom tooth extraction done
Wisdom tooth extraction surgery may be required due to:
- Impaction of wisdom tooth in your jawbone or gums
- Growth at a wrong angle so that they impinge on adjacent teeth
- Or growth when your buccal cavity doesn’t have enough space
Complications of these abnormal growth patterns may result in pain, frequent infections of teeth and the gum, tooth decay, concurrent damage to adjacent teeth, and cyst formation.
Things to Know about the Procedure?
The procedure is complicated and is carried out by either your dentist or an oral surgeon. The procedure is fairly routine in the outpatient department and may take up to 45 minutes.
Naturally, the procedure requires pain relief and anesthesia during the surgery to minimize discomfort. Your dentist may choose any of the following anesthesia options to proceed with based on the severity of your complications:
- Local anesthesia
- Sedation anesthesia
- General anesthesia
What you can expect right after the surgery?
Recovery from anesthesia is the next step after the procedure is done. Recovery might be in the doctor’s room if you received local anesthesia. Or if general anesthesia was administered, a designated recovery room.
Symptoms you might experience post-op
Mild bleeding on the first day is fairly common after a wisdom tooth extraction. Your doctor may advise you to avoid spitting for some days after surgery. Spitting can dislodge the blood clot on the wound and may lead to excessive bleeding.
Pain is also very common after tooth extraction surgery. This pain can be managed by over-the-counter pain relief medication such as Tylenol. There might also be swelling and bruising at the site of surgery. Both of them subside in a few days on their own.
Post-op advice after wisdom tooth extraction
Anesthesia given during surgery may hinder your peak performance for the rest of the day. It is advised that you postpone all your activities for the day to the next day after surgery.
You should only consume soft foods like yogurt for at least the first 24 hours after surgery. Hard and spicy food may damage the wound further.
It is advised to drink a lot of water after surgery. Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and carbonated drinks in the first 24 hours. Stop smoking cigarettes for at least three days after surgery as they delay healing.
Good oral hygiene after surgery is essential. Brushing your teeth is not a good idea since it can damage the wound. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water for effective results.
If you have more questions about the wisdom tooth extraction procedure, or if you’d like to make an appointment, call us at 479.646.0706. Feel free to request an appointment at River Valley Smile Center here or find us on Facebook.
