Wisdom teeth get their name from the time of life they tend to appear: well after your “baby” teeth and as you’re entering adulthood, typically between ages 17 and 25. While not everyone has the large molars, many who do benefit from their removal. If they’re impacted or growing at odd angles, you have cavities or gum disease, or you don’t have room in your mouth for wisdom teeth, this likely includes you.
To find out if your wisdom teeth should be removed or to start the process, call Meadowbrook Dental Care or book an appointment using our online scheduler.
Before your wisdom tooth removal
Wisdom teeth are typically removed through oral surgery. Before your procedure takes place, you meet with a surgeon who goes over the process with you, including the surgery itself and the type of anesthesia you can expect. At this time, be prepared to discuss any health conditions you have and any medications you regularly take. This is also a great time to ask questions and address any concerns you have about the surgery.
Types of anesthesia include:
Local anesthesia, in which only the specific area is numbed
IV sedation, which pairs local numbing with IV medication to make you drowsy
General anesthesia, which causes you to sleep through the procedure
During wisdom tooth removal
If you’re asleep during your wisdom tooth extraction, you won’t be aware of a thing while it happens. You’ll likely wake up in a recovery room. If you have milder forms of anesthesia, you still won’t feel pain during the surgery. You might feel other sensations, however, such as pulling or light pressure.
After wisdom tooth removal
Because everyone responds uniquely to anesthesia and each procedure is unique in specifics, it’s difficult to predict exactly how you’ll feel after wisdom tooth extraction. Some people feel pretty alert and can get back to usual activities shortly after. If you feel drowsy or had general anesthesia, someone else should drive you home. You’ll also likely benefit from rest for several hours or the rest of the day.
Pain after wisdom tooth removal
Pain after wisdom tooth extraction tends to be mild, and some people experience no lingering pain at all. You may have swelling and mild discomfort for several days, however. And it may take a few weeks for the area to completely heal.
If you do experience pain or wish to prevent it, consider these practices:
Apply an ice pack to your face, which also minimizes swelling
Apply moist heat to your jaw
Drink plenty of fluids
Open and close your mouth gently
Stick to soft foods such as soup, rice, pudding, and pasta
Take doctor-recommended pain medications
If you have a fever or swelling and pain that persists or worsens, give us a call.
Learn more about wisdom tooth extraction by reaching out to us at Meadowbrook Dental Care. Call today or use the online booking tool.