What to Expect When Getting Wisdom Teeth Removed

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The idea of getting your wisdom teeth removed can be a bit unnerving as the process is invasive and can leave you feeling sore for days afterward.

However, wisdom teeth removal is a straightforward procedure that’s often necessary in order to maintain the health of your teeth, gums and even your jaw.

Why should you remove wisdom teeth?

Many people get their wisdom teeth removed for a number of reasons such as:

  • Their jaw not being large enough to accommodate the extra teeth

  • They’re impacted and get trapped within the gums or jaw bone

  • They grow in at the wrong angle and press against other teeth

  • They have cavities or other complications from gum disease

When should wisdom teeth be removed?

Wisdom teeth can be extracted at any age, however, it’s recommended to be done at around age 17 — 25. This is because the jaw is still developing, making it softer and easier to extract the teeth.

If you are in need of wisdom teeth removal, be sure to contact our dental clinic in Lethbridge. Our team of experienced professionals will take care of you and ensure that your experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

What to expect before the procedure

When your dentist recommends a wisdom tooth removal, the first step is to meet for a consultation. During this appointment, you and your Lethbridge dentist will create an action plan for the appointment day, discussing any health concerns you have and any medications you’re currently taking.

You’ll need to arrange a ride for the day (as you will likely be drowsy and not fit to drive) and also, if possible, take a couple of extra days off work after the extraction, as you might experience some post-surgery discomfort.

Contact Peak Dental today to book your tooth extraction!

What to expect during the procedure

On the day of your appointment, you’ll be led to the chair to get comfortable, and then your dentist will apply the anesthetic you agreed to beforehand. This will typically either be:

  • Local — a shot to the mouth that will numb and relax you. You might doze during the surgery, but you should feel alert shortly after the procedure

  • IV Sedation — a shot to the vein that will make you drowsy. You will probably doze through the whole procedure and feel foggy afterward

Once an anesthetic has been administered, your dentist will efficiently remove your wisdom teeth. Depending on how many teeth need to be removed, the procedure should take around 45 minutes.

Your dentist may need to cut into your gums and even your bone to properly extract the wisdom teeth, and this will require stitching so that the wounds can heal as quickly and cleanly as possible.

After the dentist has removed all the wisdom teeth and cleaned you up (likely leaving you with a generous amount of gauze in your mouth) you’ll be led out to the person who is picking you up.

What to expect after the extraction

Everyone reacts differently to anesthesia, but it’s a good idea to go straight home after the procedure and rest.

Your mouth and jaw will probably be sore and quite swollen for a few days after this procedure, and so, your dentist might recommend taking a regular dose of pain relievers (such as ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen).

Any stitching will dissolve after a few days, however, your mouth may need a few weeks to heal completely.

*If you experience a high fever or severe pain call your doctor right away

Post wisdom teeth removal ‘dos’

To help quicken your recovery, we recommend following these post-surgery tips:

  • Alternate between an icepack to control swelling and moist heat to alleviate a sore jaw

  • Drink plenty of water

  • Eat soft foods like smoothies, soup or pasta

  • Take painkillers to ease pain and swelling

  • Wait until the second day until you start brushing your teeth (and take care to avoid brushing blood clots)

  • Gently open and close your mouth to exercise your jaw and maintain mobility

Post wisdom teeth removal ‘don’ts’

Lastly, avoid the following actions:

  • Drinking through a straw (as this may loosen blood clots that are helping your mouth to heal)

  • Rinsing your mouth too harshly (your dentist may recommend gently rinsing with saltwater)

  • Chewing hard, crunchy or sticky foods (which may aggravate your wounds)

  • Smoking as it will irritate your wounds and slow down the healing process

If you are scheduled for wisdom teeth removal, we encourage you to relax and prepare yourself for a quick, comfortable experience. For more information or to book an appointment, call our clinic today at 403-381-1155.

Conner Hendry