What Should I Expect During the Wisdom Teeth Removal Process?

Wisdom teeth are molars in the farthest corner of your mouth. They develop in your late teens or early adulthood. These teeth can cause oral health issues necessitating their removal by a dentist near you. Continue reading to learn what to expect during wisdom teeth removal.

Reasons for Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Most people do not have issues with their wisdom teeth and will not need to have them extracted. However, wisdom teeth may cause chaos in your mouth, body, and life. As a result, the dentist in Lansing, MI, will recommend their removal. Fortunately, you can live a healthy life afterward. The teeth do not impact your overall chewing ability.

The last set of molars can be extracted due to the reasons below.

1. When developing, your wisdom teeth can be trapped in your gums or jawbone. This impaction causes intense pain in your mouth and can even lead to infections. Removing them eases the discomfort and treats the conditions.
2. Some people have a small jaw or mouth. When their wisdom teeth grow, they push the nearby teeth. This results in dental crowding or misalignment. So, the dentist will remove their wisdom teeth to align the teeth correctly.
3. Wisdom teeth can grow flat on their sides or at an angle pressing against the rest of the teeth. As a result, they will lead to toothache, crowding, or infections. Therefore, the dentist will remove them to prevent or ease such complications.
4. It may be challenging to clean your wisdom teeth properly. As a result, plaque and tartar build-up, leading to cavities and gum disease. Therefore, the dentist will extract your wisdom teeth.

What to Expect Before Wisdom Teeth Removal

When you go to the dentist with issues concerning your wisdom teeth, they will perform a diagnosis. They will take x-rays and scans to determine how to carry out the extraction. Next, they will schedule the procedure when you have plenty of time to rest and recover.

The dentist will provide instructions on how to prepare for the surgical procedure. For example, they will advise you on a diet, medications, and other recovery tips. They will request you avoid taking anything a few hours before surgery. It helps to prevent issues after the administration of a sedative.

Some medicines or health problems can complicate the wisdom teeth removal process. Therefore, you should tell the dentist about them before the procedure. They will advise you on what to do and take necessary precautions.

What to Expect During Surgery

The wisdom teeth removal surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour. First, the dentist will administer appropriate anesthesia and sedative. They may use a pill, injection, laughing gas, intravenous, or general sedation. These will prevent pain and help you relax during the procedure.

Next, the dentist in Lansing, MI, will remove the tooth or teeth. If a substantial part of the tooth is visible above the gum line, they will use special tools to grab and remove it. However, if the tooth is impacted, they will incision into the gums near it for better access. In addition, they may section the tooth into smaller, easier-to-remove pieces.

After removal, the dentist will suture the wounds to promote healing and avoid infections. Next, they will place gauze pads on the wound to soak up the blood and stop the bleeding. Finally, the dental expert will provide tips for faster and uncomplicated recovery.

What to Expect After Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Once the anesthetics wear off, you will experience mild pain and swelling. Bleeding around the extraction site is also standard. Fortunately, the side effects ease within the third day after surgery. The dental professionals at Gentle Dental Care recommend the tips below during recovery.

• Put pressure on the gauze to ensure a blood clot forms preventing excessive bleeding. Do not interfere with the clot by using a straw, spitting forcefully, or taking hot foods and beverages.
• Place an ice pack on your cheeks around the extraction site to ease the swelling and pain.
• Take the prescribed medicines to treat an ongoing infection or prevent a new one.
• Get enough rest and avoid strenuous physical activities.
• Avoid taking alcohol or smoking as it inhibits healing.
• Eat soft, nutritious foods for a few days after surgery.
• Do not floss or brush your teeth on the day of the surgery but wait until the second day.