If you have wisdom teeth that need to come out, you may be unsure of what to expect from the process and from recovery after the removal procedure. It is understandable to even be a little nervous about all of this, as dental surgery is likely something that is unfamiliar to you. Get to know some of the facts you should know about wisdom teeth removal. Then, you can feel better and more prepared going into the procedure and into recovery.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Is Common
Wisdom teeth removal is perhaps the most common procedure that an oral surgeon will perform. Many people need to have their wisdom teeth removed for a variety of reasons, including that they may come in crooked or impacted, or might just be overcrowding the other teeth in the mouth. Because of this, your oral surgeon is very adept at removing wisdom teeth and know the procedure extremely well. There is nothing to fear when it comes to the skill of your dental surgeon.
The Procedure Doesn't Usually Take Long
The procedure for removing wisdom teeth is generally a short one. Most wisdom teeth removal surgeries take around an hour and a half. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, this can make the procedure a little more complicated and may, therefore, take longer. However, the surgery is still relatively short.
You May Be Awake or Not
Depending on a variety of factors, your oral surgeon may choose to have you awake during the procedure or under general anesthesia. When you are awake during the procedure, your mouth will be numbed so you do not feel any pain. You will feel pressure, however, which can be difficult for some people to handle.
If your oral surgeon chooses to have you awake during the procedure, you can request that they prescribe you with a sedative medication live Valium or others to take before the procedure. This will help to relax you and keep you calm throughout the surgery.
Under general anesthesia, you will be asleep during the procedure and be woken once everything is done. This is generally only done for highly anxious patients or for those whose surgeries are predicted to be longer and more complex than a standard extraction.
Full Recovery Can Take a Week
When it comes to the recovery process from wisdom teeth extraction, you can expect it to last for about a week. Sometimes, if there are complications, this can last longer, but generally a week is about right.
For the first three or four days after your surgery, you may experience swelling, pain, and general discomfort. However, after that, things should start to feel better as the healing continues. Remember to do saltwater rinses several times a day in those first few days when the pain is at its worst. This is not only healing but soothing and helps to reduce discomfort.
Now that you know some of the facts you should know about wisdom teeth removal, you can feel calmer and better prepared for your surgery. Contact a local dental clinic to work with an oral surgeon to remove your wisdom teeth.