Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to erupt in the back of the mouth, typically during late adolescence or early adulthood. While some people have enough room in their mouths for their wisdom teeth to grow in without issue, others may experience complications such as impaction, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth. In such cases, wisdom teeth extraction surgery may be recommended by a dentist or oral surgeon. In this blog post, we’ll explore what to expect during wisdom teeth removal adelaide and how to prepare for the procedure.
Preparation for Wisdom Teeth Extraction Surgery
Before the surgery, the dentist or oral surgeon will conduct a thorough examination of the patient’s mouth and take X-rays to determine the location and condition of the wisdom teeth. They may also ask the patient about their medical history, any medications they are taking, and any allergies they have.
The patient will typically receive instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. This may include avoiding food and drink for several hours before the surgery, arranging for a ride home after the procedure, and arranging for someone to stay with them for the first 24 hours after the procedure.
The Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure
On the day of the surgery, the patient will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area around the wisdom teeth. In some cases, a general anesthetic may be used to put the patient to sleep during the procedure.
Once the patient is numb or sedated, the dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to access the wisdom teeth. If the teeth are impacted, meaning they are stuck below the gum line, the dentist or oral surgeon may need to remove some bone tissue to access the teeth.
The dentist or oral surgeon will then carefully remove the wisdom teeth from their sockets using forceps or a surgical handpiece. Once the teeth are removed, the dentist or oral surgeon will clean the area and may place stitches to close the incision.
Recovery from Wisdom Teeth Extraction
After the surgery, the patient will be monitored until they are ready to go home. They will be given instructions on how to care for the extraction site, including how to manage pain and swelling and how to eat and drink during the healing process.
Some common side effects of wisdom teeth extraction include swelling, pain, and bleeding. Patients should avoid smoking, using straws, and eating hard or crunchy foods for the first few days after the surgery to avoid dislodging the blood clot that forms over the extraction site.
Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days after the surgery, but it may take several weeks for the extraction site to fully heal.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth extraction surgery is a common dental procedure that is typically performed when the wisdom teeth are causing complications such as impaction, infection, or damage to adjacent teeth. The procedure is typically done under local or general anesthesia, and patients can expect some swelling, pain, and bleeding in the days following the surgery. By following post-operative instructions from the dentist or oral surgeon, patients can minimize the risk of complications and speed up the healing process.