The Inside Scoop: What To Expect When Removing Wisdom Teeth

The Inside Scoop: What To Expect When Removing Wisdom Teeth

Aug 01, 2023

You might need wisdom teeth extraction if the third molars cause discomfort, emerge crooked, or create other oral health issues. Occasionally dentists suggest removing wisdom teeth as a preventive measure before problems develop. Wisdom tooth removal surgery is straightforward, requiring about an hour to complete. Comprehensive recovery requires approximately two weeks.

Determining Whether Wisdom Tooth Removal Is Necessary

Wisdom tooth extraction is a routine oral surgery recommended by dentists to safeguard your oral health and protect your remaining teeth from potential problems later. Wisdom teeth, alternatively called the third molars, are in the posterior region of your mouth, emerging between 17 and 21 as the last permanent teeth.

Researchers think wisdom teeth are vestigial structures unnecessary in the human body. Our ancestors needed wisdom teeth to chew raw foods and roots. However, we currently eat cooked food using knives and forks, cutting food into smaller pieces and making wisdom teeth unnecessary.

Some people do not develop wisdom teeth, while others may have all four in each quadrant. It is merely a variation and a sign of the evolutionary process.

Preparing for the Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure

During your consultation for wisdom tooth extraction in Oxnard, CA, the dentist will check the health of the wisdom teeth by taking X-rays to determine their location. The consultation is an excellent time to inform the dentist about any medications, vitamins, and supplements you currently take.

The dentist will also discuss options for sedation dentistry with you during your appointment. Depending on your unique needs and preferences, they suggest local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, nitrous oxide, or general anesthesia.

If you prefer intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, expect to receive comprehensive instructions on preparing for your appointment. The instructions may include fasting after midnight before the procedure and stopping some medications a few days earlier. However, you should not stop taking medicines before the consultation.

What to Expect During Wisdom Teeth Removal?

On the day of the molar extraction procedure, expect to receive anesthesia to numb the tooth and gums with local anesthesia for comfort. In addition, you can expect sedatives if you choose dental sedation.

The dentist in Oxnard will make incisions in your gums to expose the wisdom teeth trapped in your gums or jawbone. They will carefully loosen it for lifting from its socket. Occasionally they may decide to section the tooth for easier removal. After removing the wisdom teeth, the dentist will clean the area to ensure no infections exist. Finally, they will place sutures in the surgical site and a gauze pad over the socket to inhibit bleeding.

The dentist requires an hour to complete a wisdom tooth extraction. However, complicated cases require more time.

Recovery Tips and Guidelines for a Smooth Healing Process

The dentist near you provides post-operative recovery tips and guidelines to smooth the healing process. Following your dentist’s instructions helps manage bleeding, discomfort, and swelling after surgery. The guidance the dentist provides includes the following:

  • Allow the Gauze Pad to Remain in Place for 30 Minutes after the Procedure : the dentist advises leaving the gauze pad in place for 30 minutes and replacing it with clean gauze if required. They will also provide information on when to stop using gauze after wisdom teeth removal. However, you can remove the gauze pad when the bleeding slows. While it is normal to experience, some excessive oozing bleeding should not occur.
  • Rest : you must stay home to recover for at least three to five days. You may have to rest longer if you have a physically demanding job before returning to work.
  • Ice Packs : you can use ice packs intermittently for 15 minutes on and off to reduce swelling, repeating the process several times during the day.
  • Cleaning Extraction Sites : You can soak the surgical site with alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash without considering swishing it in your mouth to prevent dislodging of the blood clot. Dislodged blood clots result in a dry socket, a painful condition exposing the bone in the surgical area.
  • Brushing and Flossing : While you must refrain from brushing over the surgical site, keep your remaining teeth clean during recovery. Cleaning helps prevent the risk of infections.
  • Medications : the dentist will provide medicines for comfort and to reduce the risk of infection. You must continue taking the medications until the dentist confirms you can stop.

Besides the above must remain on a diet of soft foods during your recovery and avoid having crunchy and chewy foods or drinking carbonated beverages and alcohol during your recovery. In addition, it helps if you avoid smoking during the healing because tobacco use can create complications during your recovery.

Wisdom teeth extraction is a routine procedure performed by Dentistry by the Sea Bridge to extract problematic teeth in your mouth. If your third molars are causing complications, kindly arrange a consultation with them to extract wisdom teeth and understand the inside scoop for removing your last permanent teeth.

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