Having your wisdom teeth removed can make some patients anxious. Understanding the process helps alleviate fears and allows you to prepare for what lies ahead. Let’s break down the typical wisdom teeth extraction timeline step-by-step:
Consultation
During your initial consultation, your oral surgeon will examine x-rays of your mouth to determine the position and difficulty of removing each wisdom tooth. Questions about the procedure, risks, and recovery process will be answered. You’ll also be asked to provide medical history and sign consent forms. This meeting helps set proper expectations and lets you feel informed moving forward.
Anesthesia
Most wisdom tooth surgery is performed under local anesthesia with intravenous (IV) sedation. Local numbing injections are administered near the extraction sites to relieve pain during the procedure. IV sedation helps relax you but keeps you awake. General anesthesia requiring intubation is less common for simple extractions.
Extraction
Common techniques involve making an incision in the gum tissue above each tooth. Sometimes, the tooth must be sectioned into pieces for easy removal. Dental tools are then used to grasp and gently maneuver fragments of the tooth out of the socket. Bleeding from the extraction sites is controlled with pressure or sutures as needed. Extractions usually take 30-60 minutes total, depending on complexity.
Aftercare
The oral surgeon will place gauze pads over the extraction wounds. You’ll receive instructions not to rinse or suck through a straw for a few hours to allow blood clots to form and start natural healing. Take any prescribed antibiotics and pain medications as directed. It’s important to follow all aftercare guidelines for proper healing.
Recovery
Following surgery, expect mild to moderate pain, swelling, and bruising of the cheeks and jaw area. To reduce swelling, use ice packs for 15 minutes several times a day. Stick to soft, cool foods that are easy to chew for 1-2 weeks. Occasional light bleeding is normal.
Timeline
Most patients return to normal, non-strenuous activities within 1-5 days, though swelling may persist for up to 10 days. Dissolvable stitches or staples are typically removed 5-10 days post-op at a follow-up visit. Avoid rigorous exercise or activities where you could get hit in the face for about a week to prevent disrupting the healing sites. Visit your dentist if symptoms like severe pain, fever or excessive bleeding continue beyond 5 days.
Proper aftercare is key to allowing your mouth to heal comfortably with minimal issues following wisdom tooth removal. Ask your oral surgeon any other questions you have to ensure the best recovery experience.
Choose Dentistry in Newmarket Today!
Looking to get your wisdom teeth extracted? The experts at Dentistry in Newmarket can help! Our team is here to support you throughout your oral health journey with quality care and advice tailored to you. Interested in booking an appointment with our Newmarket team? Contact us today!
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