The thought of wisdom teeth surgery can be quite daunting and along with any pain you may be experiencing can leave you feeling anxious and stressed.
So, what can help during this time of intense pressure?
Knowledge can!
Like many things in life, not knowing what to expect is often worse than dealing with the situation. Here at No Gaps Dental, we believe that understanding what happens before, during and after wisdom teeth removal can be a huge relief.
We’ve listed and answered some of the most pressing concerns that patients have about wisdom teeth removal. So pull up a seat and read on to find out more.
Firstly, how are wisdom teeth removed?
Wisdom teeth removal surgery is either performed chairside by your local dentist or by an oral surgeon in a hospital setting. In either situation, an anaesthetic is given so that you feel little or no discomfort during the procedure.
There are 3 common types of anaesthetic:
- Local – For chairside teeth removal, a series of gentle injections are administered near the extraction site to numb the area. This will leave you wide awake but feeling no discomfort.
- Sedation – If patients prefer, they can opt for sedation. This is administered via a small catheter inserted into a vein in the hand or arm. This form of sedative leaves you feeling relaxed and in a carefree state of mind. Typically, you won’t be aware of what is going on however you will still be able to comply with any requests from your dentist. Sedation is often combined with a local anaesthetic to numb the mouth and make doubly sure that you remain comfortable during the procedure.
- General – This type of anaesthetic is normally reserved for a hospital setting and for complex wisdom teeth removal. Once administered, it allows you to fall asleep during surgery. Throughout the procedure, the dental team monitors breathing, blood pressure and temperature so that your procedure is as safe as it can be.
Wisdom Teeth Surgery – The Procedure
When the procedure begins, your dentist will make a small incision into your gum to expose the wisdom tooth and make it more accessible.
Sometimes, the tooth is cut into pieces to make it easier to remove. This option lessens trauma to the gum area surrounding the tooth. The less trauma involved, the better you will feel overall.
Once the tooth has been removed from the extraction site, your gum is sutured, and gauze is applied over the area. This is to stop any bleeding and help the blood to clot. Once the extraction is over, you’ll be given time to recover before being allowed to go home.
How long does wisdom teeth surgery take?
Wisdom teeth removal surgery may involve just one wisdom teeth or all four which will naturally affect the length of surgery.
Once your mouth has been prepared, you can expect surgery to last for approximately one hour if all four wisdom teeth are being removed.
A single tooth should take no longer than 20 minutes. If you’ve had local anaesthetic you can go home soon after the procedure ends but you will need a family member or friend to accompany you.
If you’ve had a general anaesthetic, it takes longer to recover, and you may be kept in hospital overnight.
Are there any risks?
All types of surgery carry risks and wisdom teeth removal is no different. If your wisdom teeth happen to be located near to the nerve in your jaw, your dentist is likely to recommend you visit a specialist or oral surgeon.
Damage to nerves can cause loss of feeling in your lips, teeth and facial tissue. An oral surgeon will talk you through any risks ahead of the procedure, allowing you to make an informed decision before going ahead.
What is emergency wisdom teeth removal?
Erupted or impacted wisdom teeth that get stuck in the gums can be the cause of a dental emergency.
If you’re experiencing acute symptoms such as swelling and fever, then you should contact an emergency dentist immediately.
An emergency extraction is performed in the same way as a scheduled procedure, but it may cost you more. This, of course, depends on whether your dentist charges for dental emergencies.
After wisdom teeth removal
Besides being told to rest, your dentist will give you a full set of instructions to aid your recovery. This includes such things as:
- Resting for the next 48 hours
- Avoiding any strenuous exercise – this is so that you don’t disturb the blood clot and affect the healing process
- Drinking plenty of water
- Avoiding hot, fizzy, or alcoholic beverages for at least 48 hours
- For the first 24 hours stick to eating yoghurt or having warm soup. Gradually introduce semi-soft foods when it doesn’t hurt to eat them
- Avoiding any foods that are spicy, hot, or chewy which could irritate the extraction site
Any pain should be managed with over-the-counter pain killers or medication that your dentist or oral surgeon may have prescribed.
Post-surgery, you are likely to suffer some bruising and swelling to your face, although this depends on the complexity of your wisdom tooth removal. Between doses of painkillers, place an ice pack against your jaw to numb the area and help reduce the swelling so that you feel more comfortable. If any pain and swelling do not subside within a few day days, then contact your dentist immediately.
Get in touch!
It’s always worth visiting your dentist who can take an x-ray to assess the situation. They can also monitor their development or gauge whether you may need wisdom teeth surgery. Why not contact No Gaps Dental today and schedule an appointment with our caring experienced dentists?
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.