What is Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
Wisdom tooth extraction, also called removal, is a surgical procedure to take out one or more wisdom teeth. These are the four permanent adult teeth located at the back corners of your mouth on the top and bottom.
If a wisdom tooth, also known as a third molar, doesn’t have room to grow, it can become impacted. If an impacted wisdom tooth causes pain, infection or other dental problems, you’ll likely need to have a dentist or an oral surgeon remove it. Some dentists and oral surgeons recommend removing your wisdom teeth, even if they aren’t causing problems. That’s because these teeth can lead to problems later in life.
What are the benefits of wisdom tooth extraction?
- Protect Other Teeth From Damage – Wisdom teeth can put a lot of pressure on the adjacent molars, possibly grinding away their enamel or damaging their roots.
- Less Overcrowding Means Less Orthodontics.
- Prevent Infection.
- Better Oral Hygiene.
- Lessen Oral and Facial Pain.
- Stay On Top of Your Oral Health.
Step-by-Step Process of Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Step 1: Consultation with Oral Surgeon
- The surgeon will check the health of your wisdom teeth
- Take dental X-rays to determine their exact location.
- Discuss current medications, vitamins, supplements
Step 2: Discussion of Sedation Options
- The surgeon will discuss sedation dentistry options with you.
- Depending on your needs and preferences, they may recommend local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), IV (intravenous) sedation, or general anesthesia.
Step 3: Day of Procedure
- The surgeon will administer anesthesia to numb your teeth and gums, ensuring your comfort. If you choose sedation, they will give you sedative medications as well.
- If necessary, the surgeon will make incisions in your gums to expose teeth trapped in your gums or jawbone.
- They will carefully loosen your wisdom tooth and lift it from its socket. If required, the surgeon may need to divide the tooth into sections for easier removal.
- The area will be cleaned to ensure there is no infection.
- Stitches may be placed to close the surgical site if necessary.
- Gauze will be placed over the sockets to slow bleeding.
How do you know that your wisdom teeth are growing in?
One of the first signs of your wisdom teeth coming in is when you experience any tenderness or discomfort around the back of your mouth. This can be on either side or just one. If you can imagine the sensation of adult teething, this would be an accurate idea of what you would feel. You may also notice swollen gums. One of the first signs of your wisdom teeth coming in is when you experience any tenderness or discomfort around the back of your mouth. This can be on either side or just one. If you can imagine the sensation of adult teething, this would be an accurate idea of what you would feel. You may also notice swollen gums.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction: FAQs
What can I eat after wisdom tooth extraction surgery?
It’s normal to be sore after having your wisdom teeth removed. Eating soft foods such as soups, yoghourt, and ice cream may help make recovery easier and prevent infections or complications.
Liquid Diet: First 24 Hours After Surgery
For the first 24 hours, stick to a liquid diet, such as:
- Bouillon
- Warm broth
- Smooth, pureed soups
- Smoothies
- Milkshakes
- Greek yoghourt
- Creamy peanut butter
- Nutritional supplement drinks (Ensure, Boost, Carnation, Glucerna, etc.)
- Pudding
- Sherbet
What are the DOs and DON’Ts after wisdom tooth extraction?
Do not use a straw or your first 48 hours of recovery after wisdom teeth extraction. Doing so will create a suction vacuum inside your mouth and risk dislodging the forming blood clot over your wisdom teeth extraction sites. Use a spoon to eat smoothies/milkshakes and avoid smoking for the duration of your recovery.
What NOT to Eat During Recovery
Just as your diet is an essential tool to aid your recovery, the wrong foods will hinder the healing process and increase your risk of developing complications.
During your recovery from wisdom teeth extraction surgery, avoid eating these foods and beverages:
- POPCORN
- Acidic foods and drinks (lemon juice, orange juice, vinegar, etc.)
- Spicy foods
- Alcohol
- Small grains, nuts, and seeds (rice, quinoa, poppyseed bagels, sunflower seeds, etc.)
- Crunchy foods (crackers, chips, etc.)
- Chewy foods (taffy, jerky, etc.)
- High-sugar foods and drinks
Do NOT Use Tobacco During Recovery
Apart from smoking, you should also avoid any oral tobacco or nicotine usage, such as vape pens, chewing tobacco, and pouch tobacco. Products containing tobacco and nicotine can interfere with the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Consider alternative means of nicotine cessation, such as the patch, for at least a week following surgery. Although complete nicotine sensation is the ideal recommended to ensure optimal healing.
How long does a wisdom tooth extraction take?
If you need to have all four of your wisdom teeth removed, you can expect to spend a bit more time in the dentist’s chair than if you’re only having one or two extracted. On average, it takes about 1-3 hours to remove all four wisdom teeth at once.
What is wisdom tooth extraction recovery like?
Recovery after wisdom-tooth surgery is generally quite straightforward, but you are likely to experience pain and swelling, particularly in the first 3 days. Rarely, complications can occur, such as poor healing of the tooth socket or nerve injury.
How long does pain last after the extraction of a wisdom tooth?
You can expect some pain and swelling from the wisdom tooth extraction to last for about 3 to 7 days, depending on the type of extraction necessary and your body’s natural healing process.
How do I prepare for wisdom teeth surgery?
No eating or drinking after midnight prior to surgery. This is for your safety. The risk of administering anesthesia on a “full stomach” is regurgitation and subsequent obstruction of your airway. This is a very serious complication. Don’t risk it. Be honest about the over-the-counter and prescribed medications that you take. Help us avoid unpleasant or unsafe interactions with anesthesia. Be honest about recreational drug and alcohol use. Believe it or not, a body which is accustomed to drugs and alcohol will pose different challenges. Help us prepare in advance for this challenge. Do not smoke for 12 hours prior to surgery. Better yet, just don’t smoke! Get your room at home ready for your recovery. Charge your tablet, find the remote and gather your pillows. You will be resting for a couple of days, so make the most of it. Stock up on the right food to eat when you return home. We suggest ice cream, smoothies, mashed potatoes and other soft foods.
Arrive at the office in comfortable clothing such as sweat pants and t-shirts. Do not wear contacts — opt for glasses instead.
Bring your parent(s) to the surgery appointment. You can’t drive yourself home! Your parent or guardian must stay in our office for the duration of your procedure.
