Wisdom Tooth Extraction

It is very common for patients to require the removal of their wisdom teeth. The dentist may perform the procedure or may refer you to an oral surgeon. The surgery should only take a few days for your mouth to heal and to return to your normal activities.

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located in the back of your mouth. They usually erupt when patients are between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have their teeth extracted by Kingwood family & cosmetic dentistry for the following reasons:

• Impacted: Because the teeth are so far back in your mouth, they may not properly come in. They can get trapped in the jawbone or gums, which can cause pain.
• The wrong angle: It is common for the wisdom teeth to come in at an angle and press against your other teeth.
• Mouth size: Many patients don’t have room for the extra set of molars.
• Cavities or gum disease: Because of the location of wisdom teeth, they are difficult to brush and floss. This can lead to cavities and gum disease.

Before Surgery

Patients will meet with the dentist or oral surgeon to review the procedure. During this appointment, the oral surgeon will review your health history and any medication, talk about surgery expectations, review what type of anesthesia will be used and discuss what to expect with your recovery from surgery.

During Surgery

The surgery should last about 45 minutes or less. The oral surgeon will use one of the following types of anesthesia during the procedure:

1. Local: Your dentist numbs your mouth using a shot of local anesthetic such as novocaine, lidocaine or mepivicaine. Nitrous oxide or laughing gas may also be used. Patients should feel alert following surgery.
2. IV sedation: The dentist will numb your mouth and administer drugs through a vein in your arm. The drugs will make you drowsy and you may even sleep through the entire procedure.
3. General: You will receive drugs either through an IV or receive gas through a mask. You will be asleep the entire time.

Depending on the location and status of your wisdom teeth, the doctor may need to cut into your gums or bone to remove the teeth. Sutures will be used to close the wound and ensure they heal quickly. The stitches typically dissolve a few days after surgery. Gauze pads may also be stuffed in the extraction site to absorb the blood.

After Surgery

The response to anesthesia varies from person to person. When the doctor uses a local anesthetic, you will feel alert and may even be able to drive home. If you receive general anesthesia or feel drowsy, someone else will need to drive you home.

Most people don’t feel pain following surgery. There may be minor swelling or discomfort for a few days. It may take a few weeks before your mouth is completely healed.

Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions to expedite your recovery. Below are a few tips to follow a few days after surgery:

Do:

• Use an ice pack to minimize swelling
• Be gentle when opening and closing your mouth
• Eat soft, mild foods such as soup, ice cream and smoothies

Don’t:

• Use a straw. The sucking motion can cause blood clots to come loose
• Aggressively rinse your mouth. Your doctor may suggest using saltwater to gently rinse your mouth
• Eat hard, crunchy or sticky foods which can damage the extraction sites
• Smoking can result in painful dry sockets

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