What to Expect During Wisdom Tooth Extraction
The idea of undergoing might make you feel a bit uneasy. Read on to learn more about what this procedure entails. If a dentist has recommended it, then you know that it is necessary for your oral health. Knowing what to expect during the procedure might help you prepare for it.
An overview of wisdom tooth extraction
On the day of the procedure, the dentist will start by administering a local anesthetic to numb the gum around the tooth. The extent of anesthetic administration depends on the tooth's condition (whether impacted or fully erupted) and the number of teeth to be extracted. The dentist will wait until the mouth is fully numb before proceeding. If multiple wisdom teeth need removal and the patient suffers from dental anxiety, the dentist may discuss other sedation options with the patient. The goal is to ensure patients experience little to no discomfort throughout the treatment.
The wisdom tooth extraction process
The tooth extraction can be simple or surgical. For a simple wisdom tooth extraction, the dentist will open the gum tissue around the tooth and detach the structures connecting it and the bone. In some cases, the tooth may be broken into multiple pieces to aid removal. Once the tooth is loose in its socket, forceps will be used to pry out the tooth. Thanks to the anesthetic, patients should only feel the tugging and no pain.
For cases where the wisdom tooth is impacted, surgical extraction will be required. The dentist will make an incision on the gum and may need to cut some of the bone around the tooth to remove it. After extracting the tooth, the dentist will provide sterile gauze for the patient to bite on to stop any bleeding around the extraction point. The gauze will need to be changed every 30 minutes until the blood stops completely.
Wisdom tooth extraction aftercare
The numbness will disappear slowly, although the sensation may not return for another 12 hours, depending on how much local anesthetic was used. In the first few hours, patients need to avoid eating or talking. The gauze will make it impossible. Until sensation returns, patients should not consume hot meals to avoid the risk of injury to oral tissues.
The dentist will provide instructions regarding precautions to take in the weeks following the procedure to ensure proper healing and recovery. This includes avoiding strenuous activities, spitting, and using straws since this may dislodge the blood clot in the area and cause a dry socket, which can be very painful and necessitate a visit to the dental office.
Patients will need to stick to a diet of soft meals to avoid stressing the teeth and aid the healing process. During the initial consultation, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics if they discover that the wisdom tooth is infected. Patients will receive instructions on how to use the medication in the days leading up to the extraction procedure. The prescription must be completed after the treatment.
The bottom line
After the wisdom tooth extraction, the dentist may schedule follow-up appointments to check on the healing progress. If self-dissolving stitches were not used, you would need to return to have them removed. If you notice any symptoms after the procedure, contact the dental office immediately.
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