The Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure
Wisdom tooth removal is standard among many teenagers and adults. Dentists and oral surgeons typically perform wisdom teeth removal in an outpatient setting. If you need a wisdom tooth removed, a dentist recommends the procedure if examinations and x-rays reveal your wisdom teeth are impacted or may cause oral health problems for you later.
Wisdom tooth removal before 20 is more accessible than the extraction performed later. Age does not preclude anyone from getting wisdom teeth extracted. However, the procedure at a later age can complicate matters. Wisdom teeth removal at an earlier age is optimal because youngsters don’t have fully developed roots making it comfortable for tooth removal and recovery. As you age, your tooth roots become longer and curved, making it challenging to extract the tooth.
Precautions for Teeth Extraction
If the dental office in Palm Beach recommends wisdom teeth extraction, you must inquire with your surgeon about any concerns before scheduling the procedure. The doctor gives knowledge on what you can do in the days preceding the surgery and plan for recovery. You also receive information on the anesthesia you will receive and how you will feel after the surgery.
The prices for wisdom teeth removal will depend on how many teeth you want to have removed and their level of impaction. The information allows you to check with your insurance provider on your benefits and your coverage.
You must prepare for recovery by purchasing soft or liquid-based foods easy to eat after the procedure. For example, you can consider foods like smoothies, oatmeal, applesauce, yogurt, et cetera.
The teeth removal procedure proceeds in a dentist’s office or the oral surgeon’s office.
Why Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Necessary?
The dentist near you monitors the development of your wisdom teeth during routine exams with dental x-rays. The dentist will discuss with you about removing the wisdom teeth if they are impacted or have the potential to cause problems like infections, periodontal disease, tooth decay, damage to the surrounding teeth, and tooth and bone loss.
Tooth extraction in Palm Beach, FL, recommends wisdom teeth removal even if you don’t experience any current symptoms to prevent problems later. As wisdom teeth are in the posterior region of your mouth, they are challenging to clean and maintain appropriate oral hygiene if you leave them in your mouth.
Is Teeth Extraction Painful?
Your teeth are part of your body anchored securely into your jawbone. Therefore, removing any teeth will undoubtedly cause pain after the removal. However, you will likely not experience any discomfort during wisdom teeth extraction because the dentist provides adequate anesthesia to numb the extraction site. The numbness from the anesthesia will continue for a few hours after the removal. Any pain you anticipate will make its presence felt only after the anesthesia wears off. Therefore rest assured the procedure is entirely painless.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure
Wisdom teeth extraction requires approximately 45 minutes. Depending on the type of anesthesia you receive, you may be asleep or conscious during the procedure. If you are having an impacted wisdom tooth removed, you will likely receive IV sedation, a comfortable option to make you drift in and out of consciousness and leave you with no recollection of the procedure.
After receiving IV sedation, the professional injects local anesthesia to numb the wisdom teeth and the surrounding tissues.
The professional begins by removing any gum tissue near the location of the wisdom tooth. Impacted wisdom teeth are usually partially or fully covered with bone. In such cases, the surgeon uses high-speed drills to remove the bone surrounding the tooth.
After bone removal, the professional loosens and sections the wisdom teeth and users unique surgical instruments to entirely remove the tooth. The surgeon also places sutures to close the area if they feel you heal better with the sutures.
Recovery from Wisdom Teeth Removal
During the first 24 hours after undergoing the wisdom teeth removal procedure, you must refrain from rinsing your mouth vigorously or using a straw for drinking liquids. Restrictions are also applied on having alcohol or using mouthwash with alcohol. In addition, you must avoid brushing your teeth close to the extraction site.
You will experience bleeding and swelling in your mouth and cheeks for several days after the procedure making it challenging to open your mouth. You require approximately six weeks to recover from wisdom teeth removal but can resume your regular activities the following day of the procedure. However, you must avoid strenuous exercise or activities for a week for fear of breaking the blood clot.
You receive recommendations for prescription or over-the-counter painkillers to alleviate the pain you experience after the procedure. You can start having soft foods from the day of the surgery and gradually reintroduce other foods into your regular diet.
Wisdom teeth removal is a standard dental procedure rarely confronting you with problems. However, it helps if you follow the post-operative care instructions you receive from your dentist to ensure your recovery proceeds smoothly.