What to know before getting wisdom teeth out

• 29.04.2022

Having your wisdom teeth removed can be a scary idea – nobody likes the idea of surgery, let alone in your mouth! Luckily, at The Center for Oral Surgery of Las Vegas, we take your concerns very seriously and your comfort is of the utmost importance to us. There are several things to be aware of before the removal of your wisdom teeth and adequate knowledge and preparation are key to ensuring a positive experience. Read on to learn more about the precautions you can take to help prepare for your wisdom teeth removal

1. Understand Wisdom Teeth and Why They Are Removed

Wisdom teeth are a set of molars that are the last adult teeth to erupt within the mouth. Most people have two sets at the back of the mouth, one at the top and one at the bottom. The original purpose of wisdom teeth was to help chew through rough or coarse foods such as roots and nuts – something we have long evolved out of need.

While not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed, they are often removed as a safety precaution to prevent future problems. Among other reasons, wisdom teeth can sometimes become impacted (stuck) and can cause damage to neighboring teeth if they push up against one another.

2. Steps to Take Before Your Surgery Date

If it is determined removal is the best course of action, there are some precautions you should take before your surgery to ensure the best experience possible. Your oral surgeon will meet with you and discuss in more detail how to prepare and what to expect and can answer any lingering questions you may have.

Before your surgery date, be sure to make arrangements for children, pets, and anything else needing immediate care or attention for the day of your surgery. Make sure to give yourself adequate time to heal when scheduling time off work or school and prepare a comfortable resting area ahead of time and make sure the necessities are within easy reach. It is also a good idea to ensure you have soft foods that don’t require chewing to eat for the next couple of days. Most importantly, make sure you have reliable transportation to and from your appointment since driving afterward will not be an option.

3. What to Expect During Removal

In most cases, wisdom teeth removal takes around an hour. Since patients are under anesthesia, the surgery itself will not be painful. Once the surgeon has confirmed the anesthesia is doing its job, they will begin the removal process and once complete, will stitch the removal sites and pack the area with gauze to soak up the remaining blood. Once this has all been completed, your surgical team will begin your recovery process.

4. Understand How to Care for Yourself Following Surgery

Following oral surgery, it’s common to feel “out of it” or groggy for most of the day. Pain and some swelling should be expected, as well as some lingering blood. It’s important to give yourself time to rest and recover for the remainder of the day, so make sure to take it easy and get some sleep! Your Las Vegas wisdom teeth surgeon will give you detailed instructions on what you can and can’t do, for how long, and how to properly care for your healing incisions.

5. Know-How to Manage Your Pain

Your surgeon will likely prescribe you some medication before you leave. Be sure to take any antibiotics you may be given to prevent painful infections from occurring, and carefully follow the instructions given with any pain medications. Within a few days, you should be feeling much better and able to begin resuming normal activity.

Trusted Professionals in Las Vegas Wisdom Teeth Removal

Although we know it can be scary, wisdom teeth removal is a safe, common procedure that can provide major benefits in the long run. If you have questions about wisdom teeth removal, or other oral surgery services such as dental implants in Las Vegas, The Center for Oral Surgery of Las Vegas is here to help. If you’re ready to get started on your journey to a healthier smile, contact us today to schedule your appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!

Has your dentist informed you that you will need your wisdom teeth removed? While this procedure is incredibly common, you likely have some questions about what to expect. The more you know about wisdom teeth removal, the better prepared you will be for the procedure. This understanding will also help you avoid complications post-surgery.

Your dentist will recommend your wisdom teeth be removed when they feel it is clinically needed. At this time, they will provide details of your situation, and offer a description of what the procedure involves.

What Should You Know Before Wisdom Teeth Removal?

Before you go through the procedure of having your wisdom teeth removed, there are a few things you should know to make your experience better.

#1: Pain and Swelling After the Procedure Is Common

Most patients experience some pain after having their wisdom teeth removed. The first day, you’ll come out of anesthesia and might not feel pain due to its effects. However, the second day, you’ll most likely feel pain. Your dentist will probably provide you with medication to relieve pain.

#2: Someone Else Will Drive You Home

Because this type of tooth extraction typically requires anesthesia, you will need to have someone drive you home after the procedure.

#3: You Should Not Eat After Surgery

For at least the first day after surgery, you should avoid eating solid foods. Instead, ask your dentist for recommendations on what you may eat and drink. It’s important to stay hydrated after surgery as well.

#4: You Should Not Brush Your Teeth for 24 Hours

Brushing your teeth after surgery can irritate the spaces where your wisdom teeth were. In order to help your mouth heal properly, you should avoid brushing your teeth. It is critical that you follow your doctor’s recommendations.

#5: Do Not Smoke or Vape After Oral Surgery

Suction in the mouth can create a dry socket, which can keep your mouth from healing properly. Tobacco can also irritate the tissue in your mouth and make it more difficult for you to heal.

Do You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Your dentist can help determine whether or not you need wisdom teeth removal. Many people need wisdom teeth removal for the following reasons:

• The wisdom teeth grow in at a wrong angle
• The teeth do not come through at all
• The wisdom teeth cause crowding in the mouth
• They are difficult to clean correctly and can cause oral health issues

Make an appointment with your dentist to learn more about your oral health and whether this procedure is right for you.

Contact Columbia Smiles About Your Wisdom Teeth

Columbia Smiles offers a number of dental services. If you’re looking for a comfortable dental experience, reach out to our team today. We know that many individuals experience fear and anxiety when going to the dentist, especially for oral surgery. At Columbia Smiles, we’re committed to providing a peaceful, worry-free experience. We’ll answer any questions you may have.

Contact our team today for general dentistry services, diagnostic dentistry services, or cosmetic dentistry services. Reach us at 410.690.4855 to make an appointment.

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