Wisdom Tooth Removal: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge in the back of your mouth. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25, and while some people have no issues with their wisdom teeth, others may experience pain, swelling, and infection due to their emergence. In such cases, wisdom tooth removal may be necessary.

Why Wisdom Tooth Removal is Necessary

Wisdom teeth can cause a variety of dental problems, including:

Crowding: Wisdom teeth can push your other teeth out of alignment, causing overcrowding and misalignment.
Impacted teeth: When wisdom teeth do not have enough room to emerge, they can become impacted, causing pain, swelling, and infection.
Infection: Wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean, making them more susceptible to decay and infection.
Cysts and tumors: In rare cases, wisdom teeth can cause cysts and tumors to form in the jawbone. And sometimes cause resorption on their neighboring teeth.

If you are experiencing any of these issues or that there is a viable potential for any & all of these, your dentist would recommend wisdom tooth removal.

Preparing for Wisdom Tooth Removal

Before your wisdom tooth removal procedure, your dentist will provide you with instructions on how to prepare. Here are some general tips to keep in mind:

Arrange for transportation: You will be given anesthesia during the procedure, so you will not be able to drive yourself home. Make sure you have someone to drive you to and from the dental office.
Wear comfortable clothing: Choose loose, comfortable clothing that will not restrict your movement or breathing.
Avoid eating or drinking immediately before the procedure: You will be asked to avoid eating or drinking anything for at least six hours before the procedure.
Inform your dentist of any medications: Let your dentist know if you are taking any medications, as some may need to be adjusted before the procedure.

The Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure

The wisdom tooth removal procedure is a common dental surgery that is performed under local anesthesia usually. Here is what you can expect during the procedure:

Anesthesia: Your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth.
Tooth removal: Your dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and remove it. If the tooth is impacted, your dentist may need to remove some bone tissue to access it.
Stitches: Your dentist will use stitches to close the incision and promote healing.

After the Procedure

After the procedure, you will need to take some time to rest and recover. Here are some tips to help you recover:

Apply ice: Apply an ice pack to your cheek for 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
Take pain medication: Your dentist may prescribe pain medication to help manage any discomfort.
Eat soft foods: Stick to soft foods like soup, yogurt, and mashed potatoes for the first few days after the procedure.
Avoid smoking and/or using straws: Smoking can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Using anything that could cause suction in your mouth, could dislodge the blood clot from the healing extraction site and result in a dry-socket which is bare bone.
Follow your dentist’s instructions: Your dentist will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your mouth after the procedure. Follow them carefully to ensure a speedy recovery.

Bone Grafting

If you have had a wisdom tooth removed, often times especially in the case of lower wisdom teeth, bone graft is recommended to ensure that the bone heals fully & ideally, and that you’d not have any defects in the bone after the extraction.

Cosmetic Dentistry in San Francisco

At Soothing Dental San Francisco, we offer a range of cosmetic dentistry services to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Our experienced team of dental professionals is committed to providing personalized care and exceptional results. If you are interested in learning more about our services or would like to schedule an appointment, please visit our website or give us a call at 4159893953.

Conclusion

Wisdom tooth removal is a common dental procedure that can help alleviate pain, swelling, and infection caused by impacted or overcrowded teeth. If you are scheduled to have your wisdom teeth removed, be sure to follow your dentist’s instructions for preparation and recovery. And if you are interested in tooth implants or other cosmetic dentistry services, contact Soothing Dental San Francisco to schedule a consultation.