What To Expect When Getting Wisdom Teeth Removed

If you are preparing for wisdom teeth surgery, there may be a lot going on in your mind about what to expect during and after the surgery. We have written this article to provide you with additional information about what to expect from wisdom teeth extraction surgery and hopefully help you feel more prepared and confident about your experience. 

Preparing to Have Wisdom Teeth Removed

As you prepare to have your wisdom teeth removed, it will be useful to plan for things such as

• Are there any prescriptions you should stop taking before surgery?
• Will you need a ride home after surgery? If so, who will drive you?
• What kinds of foods can you eat after getting wisdom teeth out? Stock up on those foods you like and will be able to eat. 

Process of Removing Wisdom Teeth

If you feel nervous about coming in for your wisdom teeth surgery, we hope it calms the nerves to know that Dr. Michael Larsen and Dr. Sky Sessions at Apple Tree Dental have advanced training and experience performing oral surgery. We utilize the latest dental technology to give our patients the most accurate diagnosis and maximum comfort. Between our doctors’ extensive experience and utilization of dental technology, you can be confident that you are in good hands at Apple Tree Dental. 

Wisdom teeth extraction surgery is necessary for individuals with third molars (a.k.a. wisdom teeth) that erupt abnormally, causing pain and/or other possible dental problems such as infection, cysts, tooth decay, crowding of teeth, or disruption to surrounding teeth. When you go in for your wisdom teeth removal, your surgeon will numb the areas of your mouth where teeth will be removed. For extra comfort, IV sedation is available and often recommended. The surgery itself lasts, on average, around 45 minutes. 

Do’s and Don'ts After Wisdom Teeth Removal

• Don’t drive yourself home. This tip is specifically for those who undergo sedation during their wisdom teeth extraction. But considering that most people choose sedation during this surgery, it’s safe to say you should plan ahead and have someone ready to pick you up and drive you home after your appointment. 
• Do manage your pain. Take the pain management medication given to you by your doctor in the appropriate dosages in order to keep the post-surgery pain to a minimum. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the pain you feel after wisdom teeth extraction, don’t hesitate to call your doctor. 
• Don’t clean your mouth for 24 hours after surgery. It is suggested that you avoid brushing your teeth, spitting, rinsing your mouth, or using any sort of mouthwash until at least 24 hours after surgery. Once you reach the 24-hour mark, be gentle when cleaning around your stitched up areas until they are completely healed. 
• Don’t eat the wrong food! One of the bigger questions on your mind, as you prepare for your surgery, is likely the do’s and don'ts of what to eat after wisdom teeth removal. It is suggested that you only eat soft foods after wisdom teeth removal until your stitches are healed. Soft foods could include yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, soup and broth, mashed bananas, smoothies (without seeds), avocado, and of course, ice cream. Avoid any foods that are hard, hot, chewy, spicy, or that could get stuck in the sockets that are healing. 
• Do pay attention to symptoms. Many things like bleeding, swelling, and bruising are expected for a few days after wisdom teeth surgery. It is important to talk to your doctor about what specific symptoms you should expect and what symptoms could possibly indicate complications such as a dry socket.

Risks of Waiting to Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Out

There are various risks from not having the wisdom teeth removed, but one such potential issue is detailed in the following experience. 

We recently had a patient that should have had their wisdom teeth removed at the generally recommended age (between 16-20 years old). As time went on and the teeth kept growing wisdom tooth #32 started pushing into tooth #31. This started to cause pain as the tooth began to decay. Now both teeth must be removed.(See picture)  Had the wisdom tooth been removed earlier,  the patient would have been spared the loss of #31 and the resulting cost of replacing it with an implant.

Come in for a Consultation

If you have any questions about whether or not you should have your wisdom teeth extracted, give us a call and set up a consultation. We can help you understand your options and if extraction is right for you.