WISDOM TEETH REMOVAL

Having your wisdom tooth removed can be the difference between a good night’s rest and headaches from continuous pain. If you need help understanding the process for having your wisdom tooth extracted, this article is for you.

Contrary to the many horror stories shared over the internet, we strive to bring calm to those nerves and answers to those lingering questions.

 

Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Painful?

 

Given proper care including a skilled dentist, the appropriate dose of anesthesia and an optimally functioning facility, your experience should not be a painful one. Wisdom tooth pain should not follow you while in the dentist’s chair.

 

Wisdom TEETH Removal Overview

 

Dentist offices perform wisdom teeth extraction for countless patients year round. Cases can range from straightforward to complex, but a simple surgery will leave you feeling renewed. The procedure of wisdom tooth removal aims to remove one or more of the four permanent teeth nestled furthest back in the mouth. Wisdom tooth extraction is necessary in cases of impaction, an infection or teeth disruption within the mouth. If you make regular visits to the dentist’s office, your dentist can detect if and when you will need to move forward with wisdom tooth extraction.

Ask questions before the surgery and ensure that your dentist or surgeon is both certified and qualified to avoid the potential of a less than satisfying experience. Premiere Surgical Arts Facility Houston has a qualified dentist who will answer all of your questions and provide you with all of the available options before proceeding with the surgery.

Though surgery can come with risks and complications, selecting the right dentist and facility can help you avoid the following:

• Dry socket or bone exposure
• Socket or adjacent tooth/teeth infection
• Improper closure leaving the way for trapped food particles in the socket

The Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure

 

There are two types of wisdom tooth extractions including:

The Simple Wisdom Tooth Removal

 

This is a procedure for a wisdom tooth that breaks through the gum line and causes serious pain to the patient. When the dentist confirms that the tooth needs to be removed, he/she gives you a sedative to relax you for the process. Once you are numb, the dentist uses forceps to grasp the wisdom tooth and gently loosens the tooth from the root in a back and forth motion. The wisdom tooth is then entirely removed from the jaw bone.

 

The Impacted Wisdom Tooth Procedure

 

This procedure is slightly more complex and may involve more pain than a simple tooth extraction. In this case, the wisdom tooth has fully formed but has not broken through the gum causing swelling and general discomfort.

Once seated, general anesthesia is given to numb you. The dentist also provides localized anesthesia at the particular site of wisdom tooth removal. The dentist then makes an incision to remove the flesh or bone that covers the impacted wisdom teeth to expose and extract the embedded tooth. The open wound receives stitches to allow for a blood clot in the empty pocket. This action covers the underlying bone, prevents infection and promotes quicker healing.

 

What to Expect After A Wisdom Tooth Extraction

 

After the procedure, you are likely to feel some pain once the effect anesthesia wears off. Other noticeable reactions you may experience:

• Swollen gums, jawline, and cheeks from the area that the tooth was extracted. Swelling will last for a couple of days after the surgery. Antibiotics and painkillers will help this discomfort subside. Applying a cold cloth against the side of the face will also help you manage the pain and swelling.
• Tenderness of the skin on the side face for a couple of days or weeks
• Jawline stiffness that challenges the range of opening your mouth
• Numbness and unusual sensation in your mouth
• A temporary unusual taste in your mouth from the local anesthesia given on the gum

Postoperative Care

 

• Leave the gauze pad in your mouth and bite down as much as possible to absorb the blood. Remember to change the gauze when it’s soaked and be sure to call or visit your dentist immediately if bleeding persists.
• Lie with your head propped up instead of lying flat on your back.
• Use ice packs or a cold press on your cheek to reduce the swelling.
• Rest, rest and rest some more. No physical activity should be done 24 to 48 hours after your surgery.
• Try to avoid foods that involve chewing and aim for fluids.
• Rinse the mouth with warm water every time you want to change the gauze.
• Stay away from smoking and alcohol to avoid germs and infection.
• Stay vigilant about your oral hygiene.

The recovery time for a wisdom tooth extraction takes a couple of days to weeks depending on the patient’s pain tolerance and postoperative care efforts. It is advisable to drink directly from a cup instead of using a straw to reduce the air motion going into the mouth. You should be able to return to your normal routine within a matter of weeks including eating semi-solid foods.

For more information or a certified doctor for your wisdom tooth extraction, visit www.premieresurgicalarts.com today.