What to Expect Before and After Your 2 Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

Introduction

If you’re about to undergo a wisdom teeth removal procedure, you may be feeling anxious about what to expect before and after the surgery. Wisdom teeth removal is a commonly performed dental procedure, but it’s understandable to feel nervous about it because it involves more invasive measures than a regular dental check-up.

In this article, we’ll walk you through what you can expect before and after the surgery, including the benefits of removing your wisdom teeth and the multiple ways to prepare yourself for the procedure.

Why remove your wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are an extra set of molars that usually grow in our late teens or early twenties. Depending on the shape and the size of our jawbones, they may grow in normally, get impacted, or grow in at an angle. In these cases, wisdom teeth can cause severe pain, infections, cysts, and even damage to your surrounding teeth.

Thus, it’s recommended to have your wisdom teeth removed before these problems arise. In fact, many professionals advise having wisdom teeth removed before they start causing symptoms such as pain.

Preparation for the Surgery

Before your procedure, the dentist will perform a complete oral examination, take X-rays of your teeth and jaw, and administer a pain reliever and anesthesia to ensure you feel no pain during the surgery. Depending on the intensity of the surgery, they may give you either general anesthesia (where you will be asleep), or local anesthesia (where you will be awake but won’t feel any pain).

To prepare for the surgery, patients are advised to:

– Arrange for a ride to and from the appointment.
– Have someone stay with them for the rest of the day.
– Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
– Avoid consuming any food or drink for at least 8 hours before the surgery.

The Surgery Process

With anesthesia in effect, the dentist will make small incisions into your gums to remove the tooth and any attached bone. Afterward, they will clean up the area and may insert stitches to help with the healing process.

The entire procedure can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours, depending on how many teeth need to be removed. The dentist will provide you with post-surgery instructions and medications to manage pain and promote healing.

Post-Surgery Recovery

After the surgery, it may take up to a few weeks for the area to heal completely. Here are some tips on how to speed up the recovery process:

– Take pain medication as recommended.
– Apply ice packs to the area to reduce swelling and pain.
– Avoid hot foods and drinks for the first few days, and switch to a soft food diet.
– Refrain from drinking through a straw, smoking, or exerting heavy physical activity for at least several days.
– Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day, but avoid spitting that could dislodge the clots which aid in healing.

Conclusion

By understanding what to expect before and after the surgery, you can properly prepare yourself and alleviate some of the anxiety that often comes with a medical procedure. Removing your wisdom teeth can ultimately mitigate long-term dental problems while providing short-term relief from pain and discomfort. Remember to follow the suggested tips, including post-surgery care, to ensure a smooth recovery and return to normal activities.