Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure and Aftercare Tips

While your back teeth, also known as wisdom teeth, are expected to develop like the rest of the teeth, sometimes problems arise. Wisdom teeth often emerge at the age of 17-21 years. When there isn’t enough room for the tooth to emerge and grow normally, the tooth becomes impacted and can lead to a variety of complications, including:

• Jaw pain
• Gum disease or infections
• Plaque and bacteria buildup up behind the tooth
• Tooth decay in the partially erupted tooth
• Problems with orthodontic treatments such as braces and Invisalign
• Development of a fluid-filled sac around the tooth
• Misalignment of adjacent teeth

If you have an impacted tooth, the dentist will recommend extracting it to prevent further complications. Unlike regular tooth extraction that requires non-surgical intervention, impacted wisdom tooth extraction requires surgery.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure

The first step to wisdom teeth extraction is to visit a dental clinic near you for a checkup. A dentist will inspect your teeth and mouth to advise you accordingly. X-rays will also be taken for further analysis. You may be referred to a bone or gum specialist near you if you have any complications from the impacted tooth.

If you’re eligible for wisdom tooth removal, your dentist will discuss the treatment plan and schedule you accordingly. They will also provide preparation instructions that you should follow to prevent complications during the procedure. On the day of the surgery, dress comfortably and arrive at the dental office on time.

Here is what to expect during a wisdom tooth extraction:

• The dentist numbs the area around the extraction area. The type of sedation offered will depend on the complexity of your condition.
• Next, the dentist exposes the impacted tooth and bone.
• Some bone is removed to gain access to the tooth’s root.
• The dentist then breaks the tooth into small pieces for easy removal.
• The tooth pieces are removed, and the site is cleaned thoroughly to prevent infections.
• Next, the dentist stitches the wound to facilitate faster healing and prevent complications.
• Lastly, you’ll be given a gauze to bite on to control bleeding and aid in blood clot formation.
• Depending on the type of sedation administered, you’ll have to wait for the anesthetic to wear off.
• The dentist will also prescribe medications and provide aftercare instructions to promote faster recovery and prevent complications.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery

Immediately after the procedure, side effects such as bleeding, pain, bruising, swelling, and sensitivity are expected. Fortunately, there’s something you can do for quick recovery. These include:

• Bleeding – Keep the gauze in place until bleeding stops. To avoid dislodging the blood clot, avoid sucking, spitting, or brushing on the extraction site for the next few days or so.
• Pain – Your oral surgeon or dentist is likely to prescribe pain relief medication to manage pain. If they didn’t, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen could help. You can also hold an ice pack on your cheek to relieve pain.
• Swelling and bruising – Take medication administered by your dentist or oral surgeon. Use an ice pack on your cheek to decrease swelling.
• Rest – For the next week or so, avoid strenuous activities that can cause the blood clot to loosen. If possible, rest entirely for the next 24 hours and use a pillow when sleeping.
• Sensitivity – To prevent or minimize any sensitivity, avoid eating or drinking excessively hot or cold foods and beverages.
• Beverages – Hydrate well after surgery. Avoid alcoholic or carbonated drinks as they can slow down healing.
• Food – Immediately after the procedure, only eat soft foods such as eggs, applesauce, or yogurt for the next 24 hours. Completely avoid spicy, hard, hot, or chewy foods to prevent anything from sticking in the socket or irritating the wound.
• Cleaning your mouth – For the next 24 hours, do not brush, rinse, spit, suck, or use mouthwash. Brushing can resume after 24 hours, but you must avoid the surgical area. Rinse your mouth with warm salty water to prevent infections.
• Tobacco Use – Tobacco products have chemicals that inhibit or slow down healing, leading to complications. For the next three days, completely avoid smoking or any tobacco products.

When to Call the Dentist

While rare, complications can happen. Notify your oral surgeon immediately if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Fever
• Excessive bleeding
• Swelling that worsens after 2 or 3 days
• Bad breath or taste in the mouth
• Severe pain that persists even after medication
• Pus or blood in nasal discharge
• Oozing or pus from the socket
• Persistent loss of feeling or numbness

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you considering wisdom tooth extraction? Contact KK Dental today to speak with a tooth extraction dentist in North Brunswick, NJ.