Wisdom Teeth
Nowadays, tooth extractions and oral surgery for wisdom teeth removal is a regular procedure – a norm for young adults. While it’s not always necessary to have wisdom teeth removed, it’s important to discuss your care with a dentist or oral surgeon. When wisdom teeth do need to be removed, waiting to get care could cause discomfort and problems that could last a few days or a lifetime. Contact Waco Surgical Arts today at (254) 537-1071 for an appointment in Waco, TX to discuss your care and whether wisdom tooth removal is right for you.
What Are Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. Located on each side of the upper and lower jaws, they are also the final teeth to erupt and can be spotted on X-Rays.
Why Do My Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Sometimes, there isn’t enough room for wisdom teeth because our jaws don’t grow big enough to have enough space for them to come in. This causes them to be impacted. Because they’re so far back in your mouth, your wisdom teeth can be trapped in your jawbone or gums while trying to come in. Since there isn’t enough room for them to come in properly, they come in at a wrong angle and may press against your other teeth. This can be really painful. If your wisdom teeth are trying to come in, or they’re impacted, you will need to get them taken out.
During The Procedure
The actual procedure should take 45 minutes or less. Dr. Beck or your oral surgeon may use one of three types of anesthesia so you don’t feel pain during the removal: Local: While you’re awake, your doctor at Waco Surgical Arts will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic. You will feel some pressure during the procedure, but no pain. Recovery time is best with local anesthesia. IV sedation: The surgeon will give you drugs through a vein in your arm to make you drowsy. You don't feel any pain and will have limited memory of the procedure. You'll also receive local anesthesia to numb your mouth and gums. General: You will receive drugs through a vein (some offices may also administer nitrous oxide, often called "laughing gas"). You’ll be asleep the whole time and might not wake up for an hour or so after the surgery. Your surgical team closely monitors your medication, breathing, temperature, fluids and blood pressure.
After The Procedure
If you receive sedation anesthesia or general anesthesia, you're taken to a recovery room after the procedure. If you have local anesthesia, your brief recovery time is likely in the dental chair. After you’ve been observed for a while, your breathing is normal, and bleeding has stopped, you’ll be allowed to go home. Some oozing of blood may occur - try to avoid excessive spitting so that you don't dislodge the blood clot from the socket. You may be able to manage pain with an over-the-counter pain reliever, or a prescription pain medication from your dentist or oral surgeon. Holding a cold pack against your jaw also may relieve pain. Use an ice pack to help swelling or bruising. Any swelling of your cheeks usually improves in two or three days. Bruising may take several more days to resolve. After your surgery, plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Drink lots of water and eat only soft foods. Finally, don't brush your teeth, rinse your mouth, spit or use mouthwash during the first 24 hours after surgery. Typically you'll be told to resume brushing your teeth after the first 24 hours. Be particularly gentle near the surgical wound when brushing and gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water every two hours and after meals for a week.