Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Preparation, Procedure & Aftercare

Feeling any pain or weird sensations in the back of your mouth? It could be those sneaky wisdom teeth causing trouble! Wisdom teeth are those third molars that pop up typically when you’re in your late teens or early twenties. The problem with this is sometimes, these molars do not have enough room for them to grow correctly. When that happens, it can lead to some not-so-fun problems like crowding, impaction or getting stuck (this means the tooth cannot fully erupt), and just general discomfort. So, sometimes, you might need to visit the dentist to have those wisdom teeth taken out.

While the notion of undergoing tooth extraction might induce fear or anxiety, fret not! Wisdom tooth extractions are no longer strangers in modern dentistry, where effective pain management techniques and advanced procedures are given importance and applied. So, with this ultimate guide to wisdom tooth extraction, you’ll get the lowdown on everything from getting ready for the procedure to taking care of yourself afterwards. No worries, you got this!

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Preparation: Setting the Stage

So, your dentist told you to undergo a wisdom tooth extraction. Here’s what your journey to preparation looks like:

Consultation

Talk to your dentist about your wisdom tooth extraction. Their typical course of action will be to ask you to go through X-rays or scans to figure out the best plan for your case. Your dentist is your partner in this extraction journey. Don’t be shy to ask questions about the whole process of the extraction. Talk about what’s going to happen during the procedure, how long it’ll take to get better, or if there are any things you should watch out for. It’s your mouth, after all!

Medical History

Before your dentist starts any work in your mouth, they’ll probably want to know a bit about your medical history. This includes asking if you have any allergies or if you’re currently taking any medications. This helps them plan out exactly how to do the procedure just for you, especially since they might use anaesthesia to keep you comfy during the wisdom tooth extraction.

Pre-operative Instructions

Before your big day at the dentist, they might give you a few things to do beforehand. They might ask you not to eat for a while before the surgery. You’ll probably need to skip smoking or drinking alcohol, too. Plus, it’s a good idea to sort out a ride home after your surgery, just to be safe.

Be Ready

Once your wisdom tooth is out, it’s better to be prepared with what you will eat in the following days after your surgery. Stick to soft stuff like soups, yogurt, and mashed potatoes to avoid any pain while chewing. And don’t forget to grab those painkillers your dentist recommends—they’ll help you feel better, too.

After surgery, wearing loose clothes and having some cold packs ready can also help you feel more comfortable. Just take it easy and give yourself some time to heal up nicely!

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure: What Unfolds in the Dental Chair

The actual extraction process is generally smooth sailing, thanks to modern anesthesia options. Here’s a rundown:

Arrival

It’s one big day! When you arrive at your dentist’s or oral surgeon’s clinic, the staff will greet you and take you to your assigned room. To make sure you’re all set, your vitals will be checked accordingly. Your medical history will also be verified to you to make sure there are no last-minute surprises.

Anaesthesia

When it’s time for the extraction, you might get different kinds of anesthesia, depending on how tricky the tooth is and how comfortable you want to be. 

– Local anaesthesia just numbs the area around your wisdom tooth.

– General anaesthesia puts you to sleep for the whole thing.

– IV sedation makes you super relaxed but still awake enough to chat.

You can talk to your dentist about which one might be best for you before the procedure to avoid any surprises.

The Extraction

Now comes the main event: the extraction! Once you’re all numbed up with anesthesia, the oral surgeon gets to work. They use clean, sterilised tools and a gentle touch to remove your wisdom tooth. 

If the tooth isn’t fully out yet, they might need to make a tiny cut in your gum to reach it. But don’t worry, thanks to the anaesthesia, you won’t feel a thing during the procedure.

Stitches (At Times)

There can be times when your wisdom tooth extraction may involve stitches on the incision to heal properly and protect the area from infection. No need to worry since these stitches dissolve after a week or so of your procedure and will not require any removal. 

Post-operative Instructions

Once your wisdom extraction is complete, your oral surgeon will give you instructions on how to properly take care of the extraction site and guide you on how to manage it in case of pain and swelling. They will more likely give a written handout to you as well to remind you of certain post-operative instructions. Don’t forget to ask questions as well before leaving the clinic.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Aftercare: Your Path to Recovery

Congratulations! No more pain and discomfort in the back of your mouth! But before you celebrate and eat your favourite steak, your recovery should be prioritised first. Your dentist’s directions for wisdom tooth extraction aftercare should be followed religiously for a smooth sailing recovery. Here’s what awaits:

• Bleeding: Minor bleeding post-extraction is normal. Apply gentle pressure with gauze to staunch any bleeding.
• Pain & Swelling: Pain and swelling may persist for a few days following the procedure. Your dentist will prescribe pain medication for relief. Apply ice packs to the cheek on the extraction side to mitigate swelling.
• Diet: Stick to soft foods initially, as chewing may be uncomfortable. As you recover, you can gradually transition to your regular diet as your mouth heals.
• Oral Hygiene: Having excellent oral hygiene is one of the things you should maintain to help keep away infections. When brushing, gently go through your teeth, avoiding the extraction site. Rinse your mouth with saltwater solution multiple times a day, as it can help heal your incision.
• Rest & Recovery: Resting after the procedure is essential for the fast recovery of your procedure. Allow your body ample time to heal, and refrain from engaging in strenuous activities for a few days.
• Follow-up Appointment: Your dentist will schedule a follow-up visit to monitor your progress and remove any stitches (if applicable).

Extract the Pain, Inject the Smile!

Wisdom tooth extraction is never an exciting procedure. But sometimes, it’s the only way to stop the ache. definitely not a fun experience for many people. However, there are dental situations where this procedure is the only way to relieve yourself from the pain. Although it can be a total needle through the thread, rest assured that you’re never going to feel the pain again!