Wisdom Teeth: Removal, Maintenance and Cavity Prevention

Worried About Your Wisdom Teeth Removal? You'll Feel Better Once You Learn This!

Worried because your dentist recommended wisdom teeth removal? Many patients have to undergo wisdom teeth extraction at their dentist today, and the good news is that it's now simpler and easier than it's ever been before. Your dentist can typically perform wisdom teeth extraction in a single outpatient visit, and you'll usually enjoy an uncomplicated recovery. To ensure that you're prepared in the best way possible, it helps to learn more about the wisdom teeth removal and recovery process. Here's what you need to know. 

Do You Really Need to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted?

If your dentist tells you that you need wisdom teeth extraction, well...you probably do. There are actually a number of different reasons that wisdom teeth extraction may be necessary, including:

  • If you're in pain due to wisdom teeth eruption
  • If you've developed an infection due to wisdom teeth eruption
  • Tumours around your wisdom teeth
  • Periodontal disease due to wisdom teeth eruption
  • Damage to the roots of your other teeth following wisdom teeth eruption
  • Alignment problems with the other teeth that are caused by the wisdom teeth

What is the Anaesthesia Like?

There are no worries about pain during wisdom teeth extraction, thanks to the highly effective anaesthetics used today. In fact, you won't feel a thing! There are several options for anaesthesia in wisdom teeth extractions, including: 

Local anaesthesia: local anaesthesia is the preferred option for patients who want to remain fully awake whilst being pain free during their wisdom teeth extraction. This type of anaesthesia affects just your mouth, deadening the nerves so you won't feel pain. 

IV sedation: IV sedation is usually recommended for patients who have any type of anxiety about the wisdom teeth extraction, or for patients who simply want to be unaware of what's going on whilst the dentist works. This combination method includes intravenous sedation (to make you relax) and anaesthesia (to numb your mouth.) Many patients doze lightly through the extraction and have no memory of the procedure later.

General anaesthesia: general anaesthesia is typically reserved only for the most complex cases of wisdom teeth extraction. In this type of anaesthesia, you'll be completely asleep. This type of anaesthesia is the same as that used for many different types of major surgery. 

What Can You Expect During Recovery?

After your wisdom teeth extraction, you'll relax in the dentist's office until you're alert again. You won't feel any pain for at least a couple of hours, as the anaesthesia is still in effect. If you experience pain whilst recovering at home, be sure to take any tablets prescribed by your dentist on the appropriate schedule. Over the counter medications from your chemist may be sufficient for the pain. Your dentist is also likely to prescribe antibiotics, which must be taken until all finished.

You'll usually need to plan for at least a couple of days off work. Whilst in the first few days of recovery, a soft diet is essential. Eat healthy but nourishing foods that won't irritate your tooth sockets. This can include puddings, soft cooked eggs, and yoghurt. 

Your dentist will probably recommend that you avoid brushing for the first day. After that, you can brush very carefully using a soft bristled brush. A salt water rinse is also helpful in keeping the mouth clean and avoiding infection after your wisdom teeth extraction.

Feel ready to forge ahead with the wisdom teeth removal yet? It's going to be easier than you think -- and once you're out of pain, you'll be very glad you did it! Contact your dentist to schedule a visit to discuss wisdom teeth extraction today.