Wisdom Teeth Extraction
You may need a wisdom teeth extraction due to limited space, causing them to grow in impacted, which can lead to discomfort, misalignment, trapped food, infection, and decay. At Elliott.N.Abrams D.D.S, we can examine you, take X-rays, and determine if and when an extraction is necessary.
What is an extraction?
This is a dental procedure where your wisdom teeth are removed. How they are removed will be based on their current location and whether or not they are impacted.
What is the procedure like?
First, you will receive anesthesia to numb the area being worked on, and some dentists may offer nitrous oxide to help you relax.
If your wisdom teeth are straight, removal is simple and can be done without surgery. However, if they are impacted, oral surgery is required. The gum tissue covering the tooth will be cut open, and any muscle or bone covering it will be removed.
If the tooth cannot be lifted out easily, it will be broken into pieces for extraction. Once removed, the area is cleaned, the gum tissue is sutured back, and gauze is applied to stop the bleeding.
What are the aftercare steps following wisdom teeth extraction?
- You will stay at the dentist's office until the anesthesia wears off and bleeding slows. You will be monitored to ensure the gauze is working. Once stable, you can go home, but make sure someone is available to drive you.
- Prepare for an extraction by setting up a comfortable resting area with pillows, water bottles, gauze, ibuprofen, and entertainment. Plan to rest for 48 hours and eat soft foods like popsicles, ice cream, yogurt, warm soup, and Jell-O.
- To control swelling, ice your face for 15 minutes at a time and take ibuprofen regularly for 24 to 48 hours. After that, you may still need ibuprofen, but icing may no longer be necessary.
- Gradually add solid foods, starting with soft, easy-to-chew items. Avoid rushing the process, and stay away from nuts, chips, or crunchy foods that could scratch your gum tissue. Full recovery may take up to two weeks.
- Schedule a follow-up visit with the dentist who performed the procedure to ensure that you are healing properly. During this visit, you will get the sign off to return to normal eating habits.
How long is wisdom teeth extraction recovery time?
The first 48 hours are critical since this is when you may experience bleeding, pressure, and swelling. After this, it can take a week or two to recover fully. Your actual recovery time will be based on the procedure and whether or not your wisdom teeth extraction was completed with surgery.
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How to prevent an infection after removal?
As a dentist, we're concerned about post-surgery infections. To prevent them, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater, brush your teeth while avoiding the surgical site, and use an antibiotic mouth rinse if prescribed.
Is a wisdom teeth extraction really necessary?
Whether you need your wisdom teeth removed depends on your palate size. If there's enough room and your wisdom teeth grow in straight, they can stay. However, impacted wisdom teeth that threaten other teeth and are prone to infection should be removed.
