The Complete Guide to Wisdom Tooth Removal: What You Need to Know

Do you have concerns about the need to get your wisdom teeth removed? You might want to know what to anticipate if your dentist has recommended an oral surgeon.

Discover what to expect before, during, and after oral surgery with our complete guide.

Do You Need Wisdom Tooth Removal?

If you experience any of the warning signs or symptoms of tooth problems, wisdom teeth extraction may be necessary. Also, it’s possible that you are completely symptom-free.

X-rays can determine if the positioning of your wisdom teeth will ultimately be a problem.

How to Tell If You Might Need to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth

• Swollen gums
• Cavities that the dentist is unable to repair
• Pain
• Infection

Position of the Tooth that Requires Wisdom Teeth Removal

• Crowding nearby teeth – Sometimes, fully erupted wisdom teeth might crowd other teeth and lead to misalignment.
• It is too far back to clean – Bacteria can cause bone loss when wisdom teeth are positioned so far back in the mouth that they are difficult to clean.
• Impacted – Wisdom teeth that develop sideways or are unable to erupt fully can become infected and cause injury to other teeth.

When Should Wisdom Teeth be Removed?

If X-rays show that your wisdom teeth are a threat to your dental health, you should have them removed before they begin to hurt. You should also do this as quickly as possible.

Although wisdom teeth can be removed by an oral surgeon at any age, it is simpler to do so when you are younger for the following reasons:

• The bone surrounding the tooth roots is softer.
• The roots of teeth are not entangled with the jawbone or nerves and are shorter.
• During removal, nerves and surrounding structures are less likely to be disrupted.

What to Do Before Your Wisdom Teeth Removal?

To prepare for wisdom teeth removal, avoiding eating or drinking after midnight on the day of the surgery is crucial, as this can lead to complications.

Additionally, it is essential to write a list of medicines to provide to your oral surgeon upon arrival to ensure the correct anesthesia and avoid side effects.

To create a relaxing environment for recovery, prepare your bedroom by creating a cozy space and preparing soft foods like soup, eggs, yogurt, chicken or beef broth, mashed potatoes, and fruit and veggie smoothies.

These foods will help you feel more comfortable throughout the recovery time and ensure you get something in your stomach when not cooking.

When the time comes for the appointment, dress comfortably and ask someone to accompany you.

You will be sedated or drowsy, making it essential to have someone to take you home. Remember to be prepared for the potential side effects of wisdom teeth removal and be ready for the post-surgery experience.

What Should You Expect During Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Depending on the patient’s preference, the dentist or oral surgeon begins by numbing or sedating.

The dentist will remove your gum tissue to reveal the wisdom teeth and surrounding bone once the area is numb or you are sleeping. They may then remove any bone obstructing their ability to reach the root.

The tooth will then be removed, the area will be cleaned, and the wound will be appropriately closed if stitches are required.

They may place clean gauze on top of the wound to stop the bleeding.

During the removal, you probably won’t experience any pain. However, you should expect some discomfort following the removal.

Care Following Wisdom Teeth Removal

• After removing your wisdom teeth, if you have nausea, avoid taking anything by mouth, even prescribed medicines from your surgeon. To soothe your stomach, wait an hour before sipping ginger ale, cola, or mild tea carefully. Usually, nausea goes away in four to six hours.
• Swelling after oral surgery is a natural phase of healing. To decrease swelling, apply a cold pack to the face every 30-40 minutes for 24 hours, continue using cold packs for up to 36 hours, and after 36 hours, apply moist heat instead.
• If bleeding persists, control mild bleeding by changing gauze pads every 30 minutes and biting firmly on the gauze for 30 minutes.
• For mild discomfort, take Tylenol or ibuprofen. Take pain relievers or antibiotics as your oral surgeon directs if you are experiencing extreme discomfort.
• In the first 24 hours following surgery, gently rinse your mouth after meals with warm salt water rather than spitting, which could cause blood clots to break loose. Following the first 24 hours, you can gently clean your teeth with a soft toothbrush, carefully avoiding the extraction sites.
• Plan rest and avoid strenuous activity a week after surgery to prevent blood clots.
• Avoid using tobacco during the healing phase. Smoking tobacco can restrict blood vessels and prevent healing.

What Foods and Drinks Can You Have After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

After wisdom teeth removal, eat soft, cold, or lukewarm foods for the first 24 to 48 hours. Avoid hot foods that can dissolve blood clots.

If food gets stuck in wisdom teeth sockets, rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Acidic foods, crunchy fruits, chewy or sticky meals, nuts, popcorn, crunchy vegetables, meats, soft fruits with small seeds, and spicy foods should be avoided.

Drink plenty of water to hydrate and promote healing. Avoid drinking using a straw for 24 to 48 hours, acidic or carbonated beverages, and alcohol for at least 24 hours.

Wisdom Teeth Removal at Cabramatta Dental Care

Removing your wisdom teeth reduces crowding, prevents gum disease, and prevents decay.

The removal of wisdom teeth in our Cabramatta office is risk-free and easy. Your treatment plan is meticulously created just for you!

Our Cabramatta dentists are skilled at removing wisdom teeth while keeping you as comfortable as possible.

Visit your Cabramatta dentist today!

Call us at (02) 9755 5300 or make an appointment online.

We are located at 47 Arthur St in Cabramatta.