If our dentists, Dr. Timothy Gardner or Dr. Todd Leiker, have recommended removing your wisdom teeth, there is a good reason. These third molars typically arrive between the ages of 17 and 25 and can cause impaction or other dental issues. If you are scheduled for wisdom teeth removal, you can expect the following during and after the procedure.
1-Preparing for the Procedure
Before the surgery, we will provide instructions to follow, such as fasting for a certain period before the procedure, arranging for someone to drive you home afterward, and taking prescribed medications as necessary, if sedation is scheduled. This will ensure your experience goes smoothly, please follow these instructions carefully!
2-The Surgery
Wisdom teeth removal is typically an outpatient procedure done under local or general anesthesia. Our dentist will make an incision in the gum to access the impacted tooth and may need to remove some bone to extract it fully. Don’t worry; you won’t feel any pain during the surgery.
3-Post Surgery
Immediately after the surgery, you may experience some bleeding and swelling. Applying an ice pack to the affected area helps reduce swelling and discomfort. It is essential to take any prescribed pain medications and antibiotics as directed to minimize the risk of infection and manage any pain.
4-Diet and Oral Hygiene
For the first few days, you’ll want to stick with soft foods that require minimal chewing. Soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes and smoothies make great choices. Avoid hot, spicy and crunchy foods as they irritate the surgical sites. Don’t use straws, smoke, or spit excessively as these can dislodge blood clots and slow healing and be gentle when brushing and flossing around the surgical site.
5-Recovery Timeline
Recovery time varies, but you can expect discomfort and swelling to peak within 48 hours and gradually improve over the next few days. You can resume your regular activities within a week, but complete healing may take several weeks.
If you are having wisdom teeth removed, knowing what to expect during and after the surgery can better prepare you and ensure a smooth recovery. Follow our dentist’s post-operative instructions diligently to promote proper healing and minimize complications and give us a call if you have any questions!