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Wisdom teeth are called such because they come out later in a person’s lifespan. Whereas other permanent teeth are in place by one’s early to mid-teen years, wisdom teeth take a bit longer to develop, making their presence felt behind your molars from 17 to 25 years of age.
Confusion may set in at the arrival of these late-blooming teeth, as not everyone’s jaws are large enough to accommodate all 32 teeth. This results in impacted positions, which cause crowding and discomfort and requires immediate wisdom teeth removal.
Before you undergo the extraction with a dentist, here are six wise points before, during, and after wisdom teeth removal:
Before The Procedure
- You’ll Be Asked a Couple of Questions
Dentists do not immediately proceed with extracting wisdom teeth as it is not a straightforward procedure. They will walk you through the process and deal with any concerns you have.
They will also inquire about your medical history. Dentists need to screen certain medications you are taking as they may interfere with the anesthetic they will use. To guarantee certainty, they will also ask if you suffer from heavy bleeding.
Once the preliminaries are done, they will take an x-ray of your mouth to determine where the wisdom tooth (or teeth) is located so they can figure out the best angle for extraction.
- You Have to Avoid Certain Foods
Depending on the need for local or general anesthetic, your dentist may require you to avoid certain foods or avoid food altogether before surgery. Patients due for wisdom tooth removal under local anesthetic are allowed snacks and drinks even an hour before the procedure!
Patients with extractions concerning general anesthetic, on the other hand, strictly need to fast from food and drink 6 to 12 hours before.
Clarify these details with your dentist to be sure.
During The Procedure
- It’s (Sort Of) Like a Regular Extraction
Taking out a wisdom tooth depends on its position and angle. If the teeth are already out, dentists will use an elevator and forceps to extract them.
If your wisdom tooth (or teeth) is impacted or has not yet protruded from the gum line, dentists need to make an incision, drill through the bone to get the tooth (or teeth) and close the area with stitches.
- The Anaesthetic to Be Used Varies
Most cases of wisdom teeth removal require a local anesthetic, which numbs your teeth and gums, so you don’t feel pain. The dentist performs the extraction while you are awake.
However, a general anaesthetic is needed in cases where the tooth is difficult to remove.
After The Procedure
- You’ll Feel All the Pain That Was Numbed
Post-extraction, the local or general anaesthetic gradually wears off. Patients will feel one or more of the following:
- Drowsy – Your body is still purging the effects of anaesthesia after the procedure. As preparation, have someone drive you to and from the dentist and help you out with menial tasks for the next day or two.
- Discomfort – All the cutting, pulling, and grinding through bone will cause a bruise around the extraction area. Your dentist will definitely prescribe painkillers to ease the discomfort.
- Swelling – Your jaw may swell due to the bruising done during extraction. Apply ice immediately when you get home and go on a liquid fast for four to five days until the swelling subsides.
- You’ll Be Informed about Some Risks
It is rare for patients to experience complications due to wisdom teeth removal. However, your dentist will still discuss certain risks that could happen to keep you safe.
Conclusion: Proceed With Wisdom
These expectations will prepare you from when you set the appointment, sit on the dental chair for the extraction, and recover from the procedure at home. To go through this process safely, quickly, and painlessly, you need to be informed about the ins and outs of wisdom teeth removal.
When you’re ready, be sure to contact Clover Dental, a team of Brunswick dentists who are the best family clinic in the Melbourne area. Schedule your wisdom teeth removal with us today!
