Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Having wisdom teeth extracted is an extremely common procedure. Treatment is often suggested for patients between the ages of 17 and 25 or in conjunction with orthodontic treatment. Wisdom tooth extraction is a little more invasive than having teeth extracted that have erupted through the gum tissue and it usually requires general anesthesia. The recovery time for wisdom teeth extraction is 7 to 10 days.
Why do wisdom teeth need to be extracted?
Most patients simply do not have enough room in their mouth to accommodate four extra teeth. Even if wisdom teeth have not erupted through the gum tissue, they can eventually begin to work their way out and can cause problems in neighboring, healthy teeth. Wisdom teeth often come in at an angle and can press on their neighbors. They could even develop decay which can spread to other healthy teeth; since they are so far back in the mouth, they are hard to reach and may not be easily cleaned.
Wisdom tooth extraction is also often used as a precursor to orthodontic treatment. Removing for teeth frees up a lot of space to allow for the remaining teeth to shift and straighten.
Preparing for Wisdom Tooth Extraction Surgery
Your dentist wants you to keep as many natural teeth as possible so having your wisdom teeth removed will not be suggested lightly. your dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon for a consultation for removal of your wisdom teeth. At your consultation, make sure you ask any questions you may have and understand your post-op care instructions.
Once your oral surgeon determines that your wisdom teeth do indeed need to be removed, they will schedule your surgery and discuss any final questions you may have. They will review the anesthesia that they will use and make sure you understand what to expect and if you will need someone to drive you home afterward.
There are three anesthetic options that will be considered: local, general, and intravenous anesthesia.
- Local anesthesia is injections of novocaine at the extraction sites. You will be awake during surgery but not feel anything.
- General anesthesia puts you completely to sleep and can be beneficial to patients with impacted wisdom teeth.
- Intravenous anesthesia is when your doctor puts you in a “twilight” state. Local anesthesia will also be administered at the extraction sites. You will be awake but drowsy.
The Day of Wisdom Tooth Extraction Surgery
Depending on how many teeth are being removed and if they have erupted or not, surgery may last about 45 minutes. After extraction, each site is stitched up. Your surgeon will make sure that you have recovered from your anesthesia before they release you to go home.
The doctor will provide a detailed list of post-op instructions for you to follow for the next 7 to 10 days until you are fully healed. Your doctor will also prescribe an antibiotic which should be taken as directed to prevent infection. Depending on the extent of your surgery, you may also be given a prescription for pain medication. These should only be taken as needed and as directed. Your postop directions will also include a list of foods to avoid while you heal.
These post-op directions are provided to make sure you heal quickly and do not develop an infection or other complication. The longer you allow yourself to rest, the easier your recovery will be.
Smoking After a Tooth Extraction