13 May Everything You Need to Know About Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth, which are the back molars that typically emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, are the last adult teeth that you will get. In many cases, your wisdom teeth will require removal, as many people don’t have enough room in their jaws to accommodate them. The good news is that wisdom teeth removals are very common, so you can rest assured that you are not alone if you find yourself needing to have them removed. While wisdom teeth removals can seem daunting, we’ve taken the time to put together a list of everything you need to know about wisdom teeth removals.
Wisdom Teeth Removal: What to Expect
There are several different reasons why you may need to have your wisdom teeth removed aside from not having enough space in your jaw. Some of the other factors can include:
- They’re impacted – Because they are so far back in your mouth, sometimes your wisdom teeth don’t come in normally and can end up trapped in your jawbone or gums, which can be painful.
- They come in at the wrong angle – Sometimes your wisdom teeth can end up pushing against your other teeth
- You have cavities or gum disease – In some instances, you might have the room in your jaw for your wisdom teeth to come in normally, but because they are so far back you might not be able to reach them with your toothbrush or dental floss.
While some wisdom teeth removals can be done easily, others may require an oral surgeon to complete the procedure. You will meet with either the surgeon or your regular dentist for an initial consultation where they will go over the entire procedure and what you can expect before, during, and after having your wisdom teeth removed.
The Procedure
The wisdom teeth removal procedure itself should take around 45 minutes or less and is an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll be able to recover from the comfort of your own home. Depending on the state of your wisdom teeth, you may only require local sedation to numb the areas of the mouth where the doctor will be working, but in some cases, you will receive anesthesia through an IV, which will cause you to sleep through the entire process.
Your doctor may have to cut your gums or bone to get your wisdom teeth out, and if this is the case, they will use stitches to close the wounds. These stitches will begin to dissolve after a few days, so you won’t have to worry about coming back to have them removed. Immediately after the removal procedure, your doctor may also use gauze to help soak up some of the blood and assist in the creation of blood clots.
Recovery Process
While most people generally recover from wisdom teeth surgery within 3 to 4 days, it can sometimes take up to a week to regain full movement in your jaw. The wounds left behind from the procedure will take weeks to heal completely, and it is possible to still get an infection during the healing process, so it’s important to follow the recovery instructions given to you by your doctor. You should be fine to resume regular activities the day after your wisdom teeth removal, but there are a few things you should avoid so you don’t dislodge stitches or the blood clots over your wounds. These include:
- Strenuous exercise
- Smoking
- Spitting
- Drinking from a straw
General care in the days and weeks following your wisdom teeth removal can include rinsing with salt water to help keep the wounds clean. You will also want to stick to soft foods, such as smoothies, mashed potatoes, and soup for a few days following the procedure until you regain more mobility in your jaw.
While there is a lot that goes into getting your wisdom teeth removed and it can seem like a daunting procedure, following the recovery instructions provided by your dentist or doctor can help make your recovery as quick and painless as possible. The great news is that once you’ve had your wisdom teeth removed, you’ll never have to worry about them again!