Every year, millions of Australians get their wisdom teeth removed. Although it’s a fairly common procedure, it’s executed through careful preparation and precise technique. Despite it being a common procedure in dental clinics, it can still be pretty nerve-wracking for many, but it doesn’t have to be. In this article, we’ll discuss the things to expect before, during, and after wisdom tooth removal, and by doing so, can significantly lessen your dental anxiety.
The preparation: what happens before the procedure?
Even though wisdom tooth extraction is generally considered a minor surgery, it varies per individual since some cases are more complex than others. But don’t let this get to your nerves, since the following will be conducted to ensure you have a safe surgery.
Conducting initial consultation and X-rays. Every wisdom tooth removal starts with a comprehensive dental exam accompanied by a consultation. The exam always includes X-rays. The resulting image allows them to assess the position of your wisdom tooth and check if it’s impacted; an impacted tooth happens when it’s trapped within your gum tissues or jawbone. The dentist will also note if the said tooth is within the nerves or any crucial structures.
Discussing anesthesia options. If you’re worried about the pain from the procedure, don’t; it’s why they have anesthesia. Clinics offer different ways for administering anesthesia; there’s local anesthesia, where they just numb the extraction area while you’re awake, or if you want to be knocked out during the procedure, you can opt for sedation. When it comes to sedation, they either use nitrous oxide or oral medication to keep you calm. For cases that have complex impactions, dentists offer general anesthesia, where you will be completely put to sleep, but at the end of the day, it all depends on your level of anxiety and the complexity of the procedure.
Understanding pre-surgery instructions. Before the big day, your dentist will give you a set of instructions to follow in the days leading up to your surgery. If you will be receiving anesthesia, you are usually required to fast for several hours before the operation.
The extraction: what happens during surgery?
Although the events leading up to your surgery can be tedious, you’d be surprised that the surgery is much faster than you at least expect.
Administering anesthesia. Wisdom tooth removal begins with administering the anesthesia of your choice. Before they make any incisions, the dentist will ensure that the area is completely numb.
The extraction process. A straightforward extraction happens when the tooth is visible above the gumline. But if the tooth is impacted, then your dentist will make a small incision in the gum to access the tooth and surrounding bone. At times, they may even need to remove some bone that is covering the tooth.
Cleaning and sutures. Once the tooth is removed, your dentist will clean the area and remove the remaining debris. From there, they will close it up using dissolvable sutures to promote healing. After, gauze pads are placed to control the bleeding and boost the formation of a blood clot that is crucial for recovery.
Post-operation: the healing journey.
Compared to the actual procedure, the recovery period is the longest in the wisdom tooth extraction process. You need to adhere to your dentist’s strict post-op instructions to prevent complications.
Immediate post-op care. After the operation, the first 24 hours are crucial. If your face starts to swell, don’t be alarmed; it’s a common occurrence, and it will most likely continue to do so in the next 48-72 hours. From there, it will quickly subside, but until then, use an ice pack and apply it against the outside of your cheek. If your dentist prescribed medications, make sure to take them on time and stick to a liquid diet for now.
Mindful diet and managing discomfort. Keep in mind that the swelling tends to get worse within the next 48 to 72 hours, but don’t worry, since it will also subside soon after. From a liquid diet, you can now start eating soft foods like soft scrambled eggs or mashed potatoes. During this time, you can also start gently rinsing your mouth with a warm salt-water solution to keep your mouth clean after eating.Road to full recovery and follow-up. Most people start to feel better on the third to fifth day. You can resume normal activities, but keep in mind that full recovery of the surgical site can take weeks. From here, you will also have a follow-up appointment a week after your extraction so your dentist can check if the healing process is proceeding smoothly.
