At Advanced Indiana, we understand that for many people the idea of having their wisdom teeth removed can be anxiety inducing; however, for some, it may be unavoidable. An impacted wisdom tooth can lead to serious health issues ranging from damaging your other teeth to cysts or benign tumors.

If your dentist has recommended wisdom teeth removal, you may be wondering what exactly you can expect from the process. Today, Advanced Indiana will be detailing the process of getting your wisdom teeth removed step-by-step to help easy your worries. Knowledge is power, and we believe you’ll be much more at ease after reading this article.

Before Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery

The first thing you will do before your tooth extraction procedure is to meet with the oral surgeon. During this meeting, you will have the chance to discuss any of the questions you have about the surgery, as well as the recovery process. In all likelihood, your oral surgeon will ask you whether or not you are on any medications, as well as go over your overall health history with you.

Additionally, your oral surgeon will discuss the type of anesthesia that he or she will be using in the procedure before scheduling the appointment for your wisdom teeth removal surgery. Before your surgery, it is crucial that you make arrangements for some time off work or school in order to give yourself time to recover. You will also need someone to drive you home on the day of your surgery since you will be receiving anesthesia.

During Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery

While many people imagine the wisdom teeth removal surgery process to be long and grueling, most procedures take only about 45 minutes to complete. If you’re worried about experiencing any pain, we’re here to put your mind at ease – thanks to the help of anesthesia, you won’t feel a thing! In some cases, your oral surgeon will allow you to choose between general sedation, oral sedation, and IV sedation for the procedure, but in most cases they will make the best recommendation for you. Regardless of the method used to sedate you, you will be either numb or asleep throughout the entirety of the procedure.

Once the anesthesia kicks in, your surgeon will use special dental surgical tools to cut your gums in order to remove the wisdom teeth. Additionally, in most cases, the surgeon will stitch the wounds shut so that your gums can heal rapidly during the recovery process. These stitches are known to completely dissolve on their own after just a few days. This means you won’t have to worry about coming back to have them removed. After stitching up the wounds, your oral surgeon will likely line your gums with gauze in order to soak up any blood. Once the procedure is complete, the medical team that is on standby will reduce the anesthesia so that you can become fully alert again.

Aftercare on the Day of Your Wisdom Teeth Removal

It should be noted that everyone responds differently to the use of anesthesia. If you had local anesthesia during the procedure, for example, you may feel so alert that you are even able to drive home after your procedure. If you received general anesthesia, on the other hand, it is likely that you will still feel fairly drowsy for some time after the procedure and will need someone to drive you home. It should also be said that most people have little to no pain after the removal of their wisdom teeth; however, there is likely to be some swelling and very mild discomfort in the days following. Overall, your mouth may need a few weeks to heal completely.

When it comes to the aftercare process on the day of your wisdom teeth removal, it is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions for a quicker recovery. For the first three days after your wisdom teeth removal, it is highly recommended that you follow these steps to aid in the recovery process:

  • If your jaw is sore, use moist heat.
  • In order to alleviate swelling or skin coloring changes, use an ice pack on your face.
  • Exercise your jaw by gently opening and closing your mouth.
  • Eat only soft foods such as soup, ice cream, mashed potatoes, pasta, yogurt, and rice.
  • Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
  • Brush your teeth gently starting on the second day after your procedure. Be careful to avoid any blood clots.
  • Take the medications that your doctor prescribes to ease swelling and pain.

For the rest of the day following your surgery, it’s important that you take it easy. You’ll need to spend plenty of time resting and sleeping, and plan on downtime for the entire day following your wisdom teeth removal.

The Recovery Process

While it can take a few weeks for your mouth to heal after wisdom teeth removal, most people should be fully recovered from the surgery within three or four days. In this time, it is crucial that you follow the instructions of your oral surgeon closely. Your surgeon may advise that you rinse your mouth with saltwater. If you do so, be careful not to spit. Instead, simply let the water trickle out of your mouth and into the sink. The oral surgeon will also likely send you home with plenty of gauze. Feel free to change your gauze as often as you need to as this gauze will absorb excess blood. Just be gentle when doing so!

Due to the fact that you can develop an infection even weeks or months after wisdom teeth removal, it is important that you make oral hygiene your top priority. Further, if you develop excessive pain, above-normal bleeding, excessive swelling, or a fever, you should contact your doctor immediately. Complications such as this are indicative of an infection or nerve damage. In most cases, however, when you follow your oral surgeon’s instructions carefully, you should experience no issues when recovering from your wisdom teeth removal. Wisdom teeth removal is a safe and very common procedure and, with proper care, you shouldn’t be too uncomfortable during the recovery process.

Tooth Extraction Services from Advanced Indiana

Now that you know more about what to expect when having your wisdom teeth removed, you may be interested in learning more. Advanced Indiana offers tooth extraction services at each of our locations. If you are currently experiencing severe pain or discomfort and you think your wisdom teeth may be to blame, visit us today!

Our dental staff will perform a full examination and help you determine whether or not your wisdom teeth need to be removed. When it comes to wisdom teeth, it is often better to get them removed sooner rather than later, as they can cause health complications and even damage your other teeth over time! Call us today at (765) 622-7000 (our Anderson office) or (317) 485-7000 (our Fortville office). You can also request an appointment online. We look forward to working with you!

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