This is How Wisdom Teeth Are Removed - Kaufman Dentistry (2024)

Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure many people go through. These extra molars often cause problems and need to be taken out.

A skilled oral surgeon can remove wisdom teeth in about 45 minutes to an hour.

We’ll walk you through what happens during wisdom teeth removal. You’ll learn about the steps involved and what to expect. This info can help ease any worries you may have about the surgery.

Knowing what’s ahead can make the whole process smoother. We’ll cover everything from prep to recovery. This way, you’ll feel ready when it’s time for your wisdom teeth to come out.

Key Takeaways

• Wisdom teeth removal is a quick outpatient procedure done by an oral surgeon
• Local or general anesthesia is used to keep patients comfortable during surgery
• Proper aftercare speeds up healing and reduces the risk of complications

Understanding Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that usually appear in our late teens or early twenties. They can cause various issues in our mouths, often leading to their removal.

The Role and Development of Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth are the last of our adult teeth to come in. They sit at the very back of our mouths, behind our other two sets of molars. In the past, these teeth helped our ancestors chew tough foods. Now, they’re not as needed.

These teeth start to form in our jaws when we’re about 10 years old. They slowly grow and develop over time. By our late teens or early twenties, they’re ready to push through our gums. This process can take several years.

Not everyone has all four wisdom teeth. Some of us might have fewer, or none at all. It’s also common for wisdom teeth to grow in at odd angles or stay trapped under the gums.

Common Issues with Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth often cause problems in our mouths. One big issue is impaction. This happens when a tooth can’t fully break through the gum. It can lead to pain, swelling, and even infections.

Another problem is crowding. Our jaws might not have enough room for these extra teeth. This can push our other teeth out of line, messing up their alignment. It can undo years of orthodontic work in some cases.

Wisdom teeth are also hard to clean. Their location makes them tough to reach with a toothbrush or floss. This can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. These issues can spread to nearby healthy teeth too.

Some people might feel pain or pressure as their wisdom teeth come in. Others might not notice any problems at all. It’s important to get regular dental check-ups to catch any issues early.

When Removal Is Necessary

We often need to have our wisdom teeth taken out to prevent or solve problems. Dentists might suggest removal if:

• The teeth are impacted or growing in at odd angles
• There’s not enough room in the jaw for them
• They’re causing pain or discomfort
• They’re leading to infections or gum disease
• They’re damaging nearby teeth

Sometimes, dentists recommend taking out wisdom teeth before they cause issues. This is often easier than waiting for problems to develop. The surgery is usually simpler when we’re younger too.

Not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. If they come in straight and there’s enough room, they might be fine to keep. A dentist can check and give advice on what’s best for each person.

Preparation for Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Getting ready for wisdom teeth removal involves a few key steps. We’ll guide you through choosing a surgeon, learning about the procedure, and exploring anesthesia options.

Choosing the Right Oral Surgeon

Finding a skilled oral surgeon is crucial. Look for surgeons with good reviews and lots of experience. Don’t be shy about meeting them first. Ask about their success rates and how often they do wisdom teeth extractions.

It’s also smart to check if they accept your insurance. This can save you money. Some surgeons offer payment plans too. Make sure you feel comfortable with your choice. Contact us at (310) 838-7780 for more info.

Understanding the Procedure

Wisdom teeth removal usually starts with an x-ray. This helps the surgeon see the teeth’s position. They’ll explain what they found and plan the best way to take out your teeth.

The surgery itself often takes less than an hour. The surgeon will make small cuts in your gums to reach the teeth. They might need to remove some bone too. After taking out the teeth, they’ll clean the area and stitch it up.

Discussing Anesthesia Options

There are several ways to keep you comfortable during surgery. Local anesthetic numbs your mouth. You’ll be awake but won’t feel pain. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, helps you relax.

Sedatives can make you drowsy or put you to sleep. General anesthesia puts you in a deep sleep. It’s used for more complex cases. Your surgeon will help pick the best option for you based on your health and comfort level.

Talk about any concerns you have. Ask about side effects and recovery time for each choice. This helps you feel ready for your procedure.

The Wisdom Teeth Removal Process

Removing wisdom teeth involves careful steps, pain management, and proper aftercare. Let’s explore the key aspects of this common dental procedure.

Steps of Wisdom Tooth Extraction

We start by giving the patient anesthesia to ensure comfort during the surgery. The type of anesthesia used depends on the complexity of the extraction and the patient’s preferences.

Next, we make a small cut in the gum to access the tooth and bone. We may need to remove some bone around the tooth or cut the tooth into smaller pieces for easier removal.

Once the tooth is out, we clean the site and may place stitches to help the wound heal. We then put gauze over the area to control bleeding and help a blood clot form.

The whole process usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour for all four wisdom teeth.

Managing Pain and Anxiety

We understand that many patients feel nervous about wisdom teeth removal. To help with anxiety, we explain each step of the process and answer any questions.

For pain control, we use local anesthesia to numb the area. Some patients might need sedation or general anesthesia for more complex cases or if they’re very anxious.

After surgery, we prescribe pain medication to keep patients comfortable. This often includes a mix of over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

We also give tips on using ice packs to reduce swelling and discomfort in the days following surgery.

Immediate Postoperative Care

Right after surgery, it’s crucial to follow our care instructions. We advise patients to bite down gently on gauze pads to reduce bleeding and allow clots to form.

Patients should rest for the remainder of the day and avoid strenuous activities. We recommend applying ice packs to the cheeks in 15-minute intervals to minimize swelling.

It’s important to avoid rinsing, spitting, or using straws for the first 24 hours. This helps protect the blood clots that form in the tooth sockets.

We provide a list of soft foods to eat and advise patients to stay hydrated. Following these steps helps ensure a smoother recovery process.

Recovery and Aftercare

After wisdom teeth removal, proper care is key for a smooth recovery. We’ll guide you through managing swelling, avoiding complications, and caring for your mouth as it heals.

Healing and Managing Complications

Swelling is normal after surgery. We recommend using ice packs for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling and discomfort. After that, switch to warm compresses. Gentle salt water rinses help keep the area clean and promote healing.

Watch for signs of infection like fever or severe pain. Dry socket is another possible complication. It happens when the blood clot in the socket is dislodged. If you feel intense pain a few days after surgery, call your dentist right away.

Some numbness is common but should go away within a few weeks. If it lasts longer, let your dentist know.

Recommended Diet and Activities

Stick to soft foods for the first few days. Good options include:

• Yogurt
• Smoothies
• Mashed potatoes
• Soup (not too hot)

Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could irritate the surgery sites. Don’t use straws, as the suction can dislodge blood clots and cause dry socket.

Rest for the first day or two. After that, you can slowly return to normal activities. But avoid strenuous exercise for at least a week. Don’t smoke or drink alcohol during recovery, as these can slow healing and increase the risk of complications.

Follow-Up and Long-Term Care

We’ll schedule a follow-up appointment about a week after surgery to check your healing. At this visit, we may remove any stitches if needed.

Most people fully recover within 1-2 weeks. But complete healing of the bone can take several months. During this time, keep up good oral hygiene. Brush gently around the surgery sites.

If you notice any unusual symptoms or have concerns, don’t hesitate to call us. With proper care, most people recover from wisdom teeth removal without major issues.

📞 Contact Kaufman Dentistry Today

Give us a call at (310) 838-7780 to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards a stunning smile.

You can find us at 10760 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232. We look forward to welcoming you to our practice and helping you achieve the smile of your dreams!

Frequently Asked Questions

Wisdom teeth removal brings up many common questions. We’ll address key concerns about recovery, healing, complications, alternatives, post-surgery care, and pain management.

What is the recovery period for wisdom tooth removal?

Most people recover fully from wisdom teeth surgery in 3-4 days. Some may need up to a week. Pain and swelling usually peak 2-3 days after surgery. Normal activities can often be resumed after a few days of rest.

How can I accelerate the healing process after wisdom teeth extraction?

Rest is key for faster healing. Eat soft foods and avoid straws for the first week. Gently rinse with salt water after 24 hours. Apply ice packs to reduce swelling. Take prescribed pain meds as directed. Don’t smoke or drink alcohol during recovery.

What complications could arise from wisdom tooth removal?

Dry socket is the most common issue. It happens when the blood clot in the socket gets dislodged. Other rare risks include infection, nerve damage, or sinus problems. Good aftercare helps prevent most complications.

Are there less invasive alternatives to traditional wisdom teeth surgery?

Sometimes. If wisdom teeth have fully grown in and aren’t causing problems, they may not need removal. Partial removal or coronectomy might be options for some. But full extraction is often the best choice to prevent future issues.

What should I avoid doing post-wisdom teeth surgery?

Don’t use straws, smoke, or spit for at least a week. Skip hard or crunchy foods. Avoid intense exercise for a few days. Don’t touch the surgery site with your tongue or fingers. Steer clear of hot foods and drinks at first.

Is wisdom tooth extraction a painful procedure?

The surgery itself isn’t painful due to anesthesia. Local anesthesia numbs the area. Some choose sedation for extra comfort. Post-surgery discomfort is normal but can be managed with ice, rest, and pain meds.