There is a lot of anxiety associated with getting a wisdom tooth extracted. Performing thousands of these extractions over the years we know that it comes with the territory. So rest assured we are prepared to make this often necessary surgery an uneventful, comfortable experience for you overall.
Before removing a wisdom tooth, we will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be removed. Wisdom teeth extractions do not need to be a stressful, fearful experience. If you have a high level of anxiety prior to the procedure, a pre-medication “sleep dentistry” might be used, especially if several or all of your wisdom teeth will be removed at the same time. The pre-medication will make you groggy or cause you to sleep through the procedure, but the benefit is that you will have a pain free, comfortable experience.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?
When do wisdom teeth come in? Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars that come in at the back of your mouth. They usually come in between the ages of 17 and 25, and we will spot them on X-Rays if you regularly receive checkups and cleanings. Most people have them removed for one of these reasons:
They’re impacted. Because they’re so far back in the mouth, wisdom teeth may not come in normally. They can be trapped in the jawbone or gums, which can be painful.
They come in at the wrong angle. This is common and they may press against your other teeth.
Your mouth isn’t big enough. In many cases the jaw does not have room for an extra set of molars.
You have cavities or gum disease. This often occurs when you are not able to reach your wisdom teeth with your toothbrush or dental FLOSS.
Dry Socket And Wisdom Teeth Recovery
Most people have little to no pain after surgery. Swelling and mild discomfort is very common for up to 72 hours after the procedure. Your mouth may need a few weeks to completely heal.
Here are some tips for the first 3 days after surgery and to avoid the worst possible side effect of the procedure, a dry socket:
Dos:
Use an ice pack on your face to curb swelling or skin color changes.
Use moist heat on the jaw if your jaw is sore.
To exercise your jaw, gently open and close your mouth.
Eat soft foods like pasta, rice, or soup.
Drink plenty of fluids. And, drink plenty of fluids!
Brush your teeth starting the second day. Don’t brush against any blood clots.
Take the medications we prescribe to ease pain or swelling as prescribed.
Call us if you have a fever, or if your pain or swelling doesn’t improve.
Don’ts:
Don’t drink through a straw because this may loosen blood clots that help your mouth heal.
Don’t rinse your mouth too harshly and try rinsing gently with saltwater.
Don’t eat hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that may scratch your wounds.
Don’t smoke. Smoking can slow your healing and help cause a painful dry socket.
