When you are having a wisdom tooth removed, you may wonder what to expect. Everyone's experience will be different, so ask your dentist if you have any specific questions about your situation. In general, wisdom tooth removal is a safe and relatively straightforward procedure. Here is a broad overview of the procedure and what to expect afterward.
The Dental Procedure
Wisdom tooth extractions are usually performed by an oral surgeon on an outpatient basis. This means you won't have to stay overnight in the hospital and can go home the same day. Most procedures take less than an hour.
A local anesthetic will be used to numb the area around your wisdom teeth. You may also receive sedation or laughing gas to make you more relaxed during the procedure. After you are numb, the oral surgeon will make an incision in your gums to reveal the wisdom teeth if they have not already ruptured on their own.
Once the wisdom teeth are removed, any remaining bone will be smoothed out. The area will be stitched up, and a gauze pad will be placed over it to help control bleeding.
Advice for Recovery
You'll need someone to drive you home following the procedure. Following the extraction, you can expect some swelling and soreness. The oral surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help you manage any discomfort. Using ice packs can also help reduce swelling.
During the first few days after the extraction, you will need to eat soft foods and avoid using straws to prevent dislodging of the blood clot that forms at the extraction site. It may be difficult to drink without a straw, but it is essential to stay hydrated to promote healing. You should also brush and floss carefully around the extraction site to prevent infection. Wisdom teeth removal is a relatively common procedure that rarely results in complications. You can expect a quick and easy recovery from this procedure.
How to Manage Unexpected Complications
Most people who undergo wisdom teeth removal recover from it without any complications. However, there is a risk of bleeding, pain, and infection following the procedure.
Contact your oral surgeon if you experience any of these symptoms so that they can properly treat the problem. The complications from wisdom tooth removal are usually minor and easily managed, but it is always better to err on the side of caution. You can expect a full and speedy recovery from wisdom tooth removal if you take proper care and manage your recovery as advised by your surgeon.
Conclusion
This dental work is typically performed without any pain during the procedure and rarely causes problems during or after it. Following your oral surgeon's instructions is key to a quick and easy recovery. Consult with them if you have questions or concerns at any time. They will be able to answer them quickly to put your mind at ease.