Some people don’t have to deal with having their wisdom teeth removed, because they never developed in the first place. But for the unlucky majority that have grown their wisdom teeth to some degree, they’ll have to go through one, or multiple, wisdom tooth extractions. As it can take years to even breach the surface of the gums, it’s not high on most peoples to do list. However, if your wisdom teeth are wreaking havoc on your mouth, then this guide will walk you through what to expect from your future wisdom tooth extraction.
It all Starts with a Dental Exam
You don’t have to be in pain for your wisdom teeth to be removed. Often times an x-ray showing how their growth is impacting the rest of your teeth is enough for your dentist to recommend an extraction sooner rather than later. The longer an impacted tooth stays in your mouth, the more it shifts the alignment of the rest of your teeth.
The Procedure Won’t Hurt…
The severity, depth and location of your wisdom teeth will determine whether or not you’ll be fully sedated or have local anesthesia as your numbing agent. With any kind of anesthesia, however, you’ll likely be asked to avoid eating and drinking beforehand. Special tools will be used to shift and dislodge your wisdom teeth, sometimes splitting it into smaller pieces for an easier removal process.
But the Recovery Sure Can
It’s common to feel groggy after surgery, depending on the volume of sedatives used on you. You’ll need to have someone drive you home and take care of you until the medication wears off. It’s normal to experience swelling and pain for days after an extraction, which is why pain medication is often prescribed.
Try to Avoid Dry Socket
For two weeks after you’ve had your wisdom teeth removed, avoid using a straw at all costs. The suction from using a straw can result in dry socket, and that’s not something you want to deal with. This incredibly painful condition stems from the clot that’s sitting above the extraction site being dislodged, exposing both the bare nerves and bone beneath. Cleaning your mouth too soon after surgery can also cause dry socket. To treat it, a medicated paste is inserted into the socket to promote healing. As a common side effect of wisdom tooth extraction, it may be unavoidable.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Tips
Make sure you visit a dentist who performswisdom tooth extraction on a regular basis. If your dentist only does a few every month or so, as them to refer you to an oral surgeon to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery.
Have you been avoiding this procedure for years? Then make an appointment immediately, because the older you get, the more your teeth’s roots will form, making the extraction process more difficult, and possibly painful.
Are you looking to get your wisdom tooth extracted in the Toronto area? Then visit Edward Street Dental, helping our Toronto patients with their dental care since 1965. With services that include general tooth cleaning, wisdom teeth removal, dental implant application, cosmetic dentistry and more, visit our website to book your next appointment.
