Most people develop wisdom teeth in their lifetime, which can cause oral problems if left for too long.
It is easy to recover from wisdom tooth surgery by simply following the instructions recommended by your dentist. However, we understand the surgery is still daunting. Here is what you should expect from getting your wisdom teeth extracted.
Why Do We Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Most young adults between 17 and 25 grow third molars, aka wisdom teeth. However, some people never grow wisdom teeth, while others don’t need to remove them.
Unlike these lucky few, the majority of the population has “impacted wisdom teeth.” These teeth can’t fit into the space where they erupt.
Since these teeth can grow at an angle, they can jut up against healthy teeth. Other times, wisdom teeth grow straight up but can’t erupt from the jawbone.
Third molars can cause pain, as their improper placement causes them to push against anchored teeth. They can also cause tooth decay or gum disease due to improper brushing.
How to Prepare for Wisdom Tooth Extraction
When prepping for surgery, you can ask one of our dentists at the Coast Family Dental office the following questions:
- How long will it take for my mouth to heal after surgery?
- What kind of anesthesia will you give me? Do I need a ride home after the procedure?
- Should I fast before or after surgery? For how long?
- Can I take a prescription or over-the-counter medicine before surgery?
- What foods can I eat after surgery?
Expectations for Wisdom Teeth Surgery
During the surgery, you will likely receive either local or sedation anesthesia. Local anesthesia only numbs the part of the mouth that the dentist will perform surgery on.
Sedation anesthesia will subdue your consciousness, meaning that you won’t experience any pain and won’t remember the procedure.
To perform the procedure, the dentist cuts an incision into the gum and removes bone to access the tooth root. Then, they remove the tooth and clean the site. Finally, they either stitch the incision closed or put gauze on it to help with blood clotting.
If you would like to know more about expectations for wisdom teeth extraction, contact our staff at Coast Family Dental in Currimundi, QLD. We provide high-quality dental care at an affordable price. Call us at (07) 5437 9000 to schedule your first appointment today.
