Wise Up! What To Expect When Your Wisdom Tooth Needs To Go

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If your third molars are causing you enough pain to consult a general dentist, you’re thinking in the right direction. Wisdom teeth usually erupt between 17–25 years of age, and people generally have four of these, but not always.

Here’s everything you can expect when your wisdom tooth requires extraction and what you can do about it.

 

When Do You Need A Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Since they’re located at the back of your mouth, wisdom teeth can be challenging to clean and serve as a breeding ground for bacteria. Some of the most common complications that can occur from your wisdom teeth include poor positioning of adjacent teeth, tissue inflammations as a result of infection, or tooth decay that spreads to the second molar, i.e., the teeth next to your wisdom teeth. If you’re suffering from gum disease, you may even experience problems in chewing.

Before Surgery

Meeting up with your dentist or oral surgeon before your wisdom tooth extraction is the smart thing to do. Why? Your dental specialist may not be aware of any health problems if any, that you routinely face. This way, you can also inform them of any medications that you take for your condition.

You can also inquire about any concerns you have about the surgery since this is typically a nerve-wracking process for the patient. Your dentist can also talk to you about whether you want to be numb or asleep during the surgery.

During Surgery

You need wisdom tooth surgery to prevent further dental problems from occurring. But it doesn’t have to be painful, which is typically the main concern for patients. You can choose to undergo any of the following anesthesia.

You may have heard patients relaxing during a dental surgery by breathing in laughing gas or nitrous oxide. If you’re comfortable with being numbed with a shot of Novocain in your gums, local anesthesia is your calling. No wonder they say laughter is the best medicine!

You can also choose to have your mouth numbed via an IV going through your arm’s vein. If you’re planning to catch a few Z’s during the entire process, IV sedation will suit you just fine.

A male dentist holding up teeth scans against a tablet computer

After Surgery

You may experience slight bleeding, which is perfectly normal. Use gauze to control it, or eat soft foods, gently rinsing your mouth to prevent disturbing the extraction site. Typically, there may be a slight numbness in your chin or lower lip. Usually, this goes away in 6–8 weeks, but consult your oral surgeon at your next appointment if it doesn’t.

Antibiotics don’t suit everyone so if you experience any allergic reactions or nausea, be sure to notify your doctor immediately so they can prescribe a different medication. You may even undergo infections 3–7 days after the extraction. In any case, keep your surgeon informed, especially if the swelling increases.

Feeling confident about getting your wisdom tooth removed? Our team of experienced specialists in New Jersey offers general and specialized services, including gum disease, Invisalign, root canal NJ, sedation, and more, making your experience comfortable and welcoming at fair prices! Book your appointment now and let us take care of your smile at Rapha Dental LLC!