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What Is It Like to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?

December 20, 2021

Filed under: Uncategorized — cowlitz @ 9:41 pm
digital image of impacted wisdom tooth

Learning you need to have your wisdom teeth in Castle Rock removed may not be the most welcoming news; however, it is a common occurrence among teenagers and young adults. As you near the day of your procedure, you may begin to wonder what you can expect in preparation for your surgery. Before you fill your head with potentially false realities, a local dentist explains what you can expect when having these teeth removed.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Not all individuals need to have their wisdom teeth removed. If you have enough space inside your oral cavity, they may erupt without incident. However, there is a high probability that these third molars will need to be extracted, especially if any of the following are to blame:

  • They are impacted (beneath the gum line) and cause significant pain toward the back of your mouth
  • They are angled incorrectly, causing them to press against healthy teeth and shift them out of alignment
  • They are causing your teeth to be overcrowded because there is not enough room
  • They make it difficult to maintain good oral hygiene, raising your risk for tooth decay and gum disease

What to Expect With Wisdom Teeth Removal?

If your dentist recommends that you have your wisdom teeth removed, there is a process you can expect to ensure a successful procedure as well as a swift recovery. Each stage includes various components, all of which are necessary:

Pre-Surgery

During your initial appointment, you and your dentist will go over your medical history as well as any medications you are currently taking. If you have any health conditions, you will need to explain these during this visit. Also, this is a great time to ask any questions or express concerns about the procedure. Once your dentist begins to discuss sedation and anesthesia, you will better understand why talks of your current medications are necessary, as certain ones can lessen the effects.

It is also important during this stage to make sure you ask for plenty of time off of work. You’ll need someone to escort you to and from your appointment.

The Surgical Procedure

Depending on how many of your wisdom teeth need to be removed, the average timeframe is about 45 minutes to one hour. Depending on your dentist, you’ll receive local, general, or IV sedation. Once you are fully numb, the dentist will make an incision in your gums to expose the tooth. If necessary, the tooth will be removed in pieces to make for easier surgical extraction. This also allows you to keep more of the bone. When finished, the gums will be stitched closed, and gauze applied to reduce bleeding.

Post-Surgery

After your oral surgery, you will be required to have someone take you home to rest, as anesthesia can take time to wear off. It is natural to feel some soreness and discomfort following your procedure, and you can expect it to take several weeks before you are fully healed. In the meantime, you’ll need to eat soft foods, drink lots of water, be mindful when brushing and flossing to avoid dry sockets, and use an ice pack to reduce swelling.

Wisdom teeth extractions may not be the most exciting event, but you can rest assured your dentist will keep your safety and comfort as their priorities to ensure you have a positive experience and quick recovery.

About the Author
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington is an experienced dentist who enjoys helping patients achieve the smiles they deserve. Should wisdom teeth extractions be necessary, he and his team will implement safe and effective techniques to carefully remove these third molars and create a healthier smile for the future. If you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, contact our office at (360) 703-9092.

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