If you’re removing your wisdom teeth, it can be nerve-wracking to think about what might happen to you when you get to the dental office.
Wisdom teeth removal is something you may not have thought about but getting these teeth out can be an overwhelming experience.
With all the horror stories floating around, it’s normal to become anxious about what will happen during and after your wisdom teeth are removed.
The good news is that you probably have nothing to worry about! This article will cover the core things you should expect when having this procedure.
The Pre-Op Exams
Before removing your wisdom teeth, you’ll need a pre-op exam. This is to ensure that the removal will be safe for you and that you’re healthy enough for the procedure. The pre-op exam will usually involve taking X-rays of your mouth and teeth.
The dentist will also ask about your medical history and any medications you’re currently taking. Be sure to tell the dentist if you’re pregnant, have any allergies, or have done any previous dental work.
The Anesthesia
When you remove your wisdom teeth, you will be given the option of local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia numbs the area around these teeth and is the most common type of anesthesia used for this procedure. On the other hand, sedation makes you drowsy and relaxed, but you will still be awake during the procedure. General anesthesia puts you to sleep during the procedure.
The Surgery
Wisdom teeth removal surgery usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. During the surgery, your wisdom teeth will be removed, and your gums will be stitched up. You will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area around your teeth.
The surgeon will make a small incision in your gums and then remove your wisdom teeth. Once these teeth have been removed, the surgeon will close the incisions with stitches.
Post-Op Recovery
After removing your wisdom teeth, you can expect some discomfort and pain. This is normal and will go away eventually. In the meantime, you can take over-the-counter pain medication to help manage the pain. Swelling is also common after this procedure.
Again, this is normal and will go away on its own. To help reduce swelling, apply ice to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time. Bleeding is also to be expected after these teeth are removed. Gauze placed over the extraction site will help stop the bleeding.
Rinse your mouth with salt water several times daily to help keep the area clean and promote healing. Finally, you may experience some bruising around your mouth and jaw after the tooth removal, but again, this will dissipate over time.