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Your Guide to How Dentists Remove Wisdom Teeth

Millions of people have gone through wisdom teeth removal. It's one of the most common dental procedures that dentists conduct. And, probably the most noteworthy one.

The aftermath of wisdom teeth removal has become a silly internet sensation, with many people sharing videos of themselves or loved ones after getting it done. Everyone seems to know what occurs after wisdom teeth removal, but not what happens before and during the procedure.

Know how dentists can remove wisdom teeth to understand what the procedure entails fully.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

How can you understand wisdom teeth removal without knowing what is being removed? Wisdom teeth are the last set of adult teeth to emerge into your mouth. There are usually four wisdom teeth that you have, which are at the back of your mouth. Two will typically be on top, while the other two will be on the bottom. Normally, you can expect wisdom teeth to appear between the ages of 17 to 25.

Why Dentists Remove Wisdom Teeth?

The problem with wisdom teeth stems from how they emerge improperly due to a lack of space in your mouth. When not developed properly, wisdom teeth can cause various oral issues.

Commonly, pain can occur from the way it's growing improperly in your mouth. Furthermore, you can end up damaging your teeth. How exactly do these molars cause problems with your teeth? Well, since wisdom teeth are located at the back of your mouth, it can be hard to ensure proper oral hygiene since it's hard to reach. As a result, it can potentially lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

How to Prepare for Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Good preparation beforehand is important to ensure no complications or roadblocks occur. It means communicating necessary information and making the right arrangements.

Ensure you make this mental checklist:

Knowing when to arrive for the procedure
Make arrangements for pickup afterwards (can't drive yourself after the procedure)
When and how long to fast for potentially
Notifying your dentist of any current medication

Based on what you communicate to your dentist, they will need to figure out what three types of anesthesia to use for you during the procedure.

What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Depending on the severity of your wisdom teeth, you may need a certain form of anesthesia to keep you asleep while the procedure is being conducted. The main forms of anesthesia used have typically been local, sedation, or general. Local anesthesia is where the dentist will use one or two injections to numb the area near your wisdom teeth. You're awake and can feel some pressure and movement during the procedure, but you won't feel any pain.

If being aware of the procedure scares you, there is always sedation or general anesthesia that can be used. With sedation, you can expect it to suppress your consciousness during the procedure and leave you with no pain and few memories of it. Meanwhile, you will inhale through your nose or an IV to lose consciousness with general anesthesia that will give you no pain and memory of the procedure.

Once under, the dentist performing your wisdom teeth removal will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and bone. They will then remove bone that blocks access to the tooth root. To make it easier, dentists divide the tooth into sections, so they're just removed as pieces. After removal, the dentist will clean the area of any debris from the tooth or bone before stitching the wound. Gauze is placed over the area to help control bleeding.

What Happens After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Thankfully, wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure where you can go home on the same day. However, there are some things you need to be mindful of to ensure proper recovery once it's done.

Know when to replace your gauze to avoid issues with a blood clot
Relieve pain through OTC pain relievers or one prescribed by your dentist
Use a cold pack against your jaw to help with swelling and bruising.
No strenuous activity for a week to avoid losing the blood clot from the socket
Ensure you're hydrated and not drinking alcoholic, caffeinated, carbonated or hot beverages in the first 24 hours
Only eat soft foods for 24 hours. Avoid hard, chewy, hot or spicy foods that might affect the site.
Get back to oral routine after the first 24 hours after surgery and be gentle and mindful of the surgical wound.
Potential follow-up if you need stitches removed