What You Need To Know Before Undergoing Wisdom Teeth Surgery
Wisdom teeth surgery may be the last thing you want to think about, especially if you don’t have any wisdom teeth yet. However, when it comes time to make a decision, there are many things you need to consider before undergoing this type of procedure. This blog post will cover some of the important topics related to wisdom teeth surgery: what it is, why it’s necessary, possible risks and side effects, and how to prepare for the surgery. We’ll also discuss the cost and payment options that are available so that you can make an informed choice about whether or not wisdom teeth surgery is right for you.
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the final set of teeth to erupt in the mouth. They typically appear in the late teen years or early adulthood. While some people have no problems with their wisdom teeth and they come in without any issues, for others, wisdom teeth can cause pain and crowding. When this happens, surgery may be necessary to remove the wisdom teeth.
Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that is usually performed by an oral surgeon. The surgery is typically done under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around the mouth. For people who experience anxiety about dental procedures, sedation may also be used. Recovery from wisdom teeth surgery is usually pretty quick and most people feel back to normal within a week or two.
When do wisdom teeth need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth usually need to be removed when they are coming in at an awkward angle and crowding other teeth, or if they are only partially erupted and food gets trapped underneath them. Wisdom teeth removal is typically recommended by an orthodontist or dentist.
How is wisdom teeth surgery performed?
There are a few different ways that wisdom teeth surgery can be performed, and the type of surgery that is right for you will depend on the specific situation of your teeth. In some cases, the surgeon will simply need to make a small incision in the gum line in order to access the wisdom teeth. In other cases, the surgeon may need to remove some bone in order to get to the wisdom teeth.
Once the surgeon has access to the wisdom teeth, they will then need to decide whether or not to extract them. In some cases, it may be possible to simply clean out the area around the tooth and leave it in place. However, in other cases, it may be necessary to remove the tooth completely.
After the wisdom teeth have been removed, you can expect there to be some discomfort and swelling. This is normal and will usually resolve itself within a week or two. You may also be prescribed pain medication to help with any discomfort. It is important to follow all instructions from your surgeon carefully following surgery in order to ensure proper healing.
What are the risks of wisdom teeth surgery?
There are a few risks associated with wisdom teeth surgery, although they are relatively rare. These include:
-Infection: This is the most common complication from any type of surgery. The risk can be decreased by using proper oral hygiene before and after the procedure.
-Damage to other teeth: If the surgeon is not careful, it is possible to damage other teeth during wisdom teeth surgery. This is more likely to happen if the patient has crowding or misaligned teeth.
-Nerve damage: It is possible to damage the nerves that control feeling in the lips, tongue, or cheeks. This is usually temporary and will resolve on its own, but in rare cases it can be permanent.
-Excessive bleeding: Although this is uncommon, it can occur if the blood clot that forms after surgery is dislodged or dissolves. If this happens, it can lead to excessive bleeding and possibly a need for transfusion.
-Dry socket: This is an infection that occurs in the tooth socket after the extraction has been performed. It can be quite painful and will require additional treatment to resolve.
-Jaw fracture: If the surgeon is not careful, it is possible to damage the jaw bone during wisdom teeth surgery. This can be quite painful and may require additional treatment to resolve.
-Allergic reaction: Some people may have an allergic reaction to the medication or anesthesia used during the procedure. This is rare, but can occur.
-Damage to the sinuses: If the surgeon is not careful, it is possible to damage the sinuses during wisdom teeth surgery. This can lead to infection and other serious complications.
-Reaction to medication or anesthesia: Some people may have a reaction to the medications or anesthetics used during the procedure. This is rare, but can occur.
-Delayed healing: In some cases, the area may take longer to heal than expected. This can lead to pain and discomfort.
-Cleft palate: If the surgeon is not careful, it is possible to damage the tissue at the roof of the mouth during wisdom teeth surgery. This can lead to a cleft palate in rare cases.
-Jaw pain: It is possible to experience jaw pain after the procedure. This is usually due to swelling and inflammation in the area.
-Numbness: It is possible to experience temporary numbness in the area around the extraction site. This is usually due to nerve damage and should resolve on its own.
How can I prepare for wisdom teeth surgery?
When you are scheduled for wisdom teeth surgery, your oral surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare. It is important to follow these instructions carefully in order to ensure a successful surgery and quick recovery.
You will likely be instructed to not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. This is because you will be given general anesthesia, which can cause nausea and vomiting. It is important to have an empty stomach during surgery so that you do not aspirate vomit into your lungs.
You should also plan to have someone drive you home after your surgery, as the anesthesia can make it unsafe for you to drive. Make sure to arrange for someone to stay with you for at least the first 24 hours after surgery, as you will likely be groggy and not able to care for yourself properly.
Finally, be sure to brush your teeth and rinse with mouthwash before coming in for surgery, as this will help reduce the risk of infection.
What should I expect after wisdom teeth surgery?
After wisdom teeth surgery, it is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort. These symptoms usually peak within the first few days and then gradually improve. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help you manage any discomfort. It is also important to keep your head elevated and to apply ice to the outside of your face for the first 48 hours after surgery. You should avoid hot foods or drinks, straws, smoking, and vigorous exercise for at least a week to allow your mouth time to heal.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth surgery can be a scary process, but knowing what to expect beforehand makes it more bearable. We hope this article has provided you with the information and resources necessary to make an informed decision on whether or not wisdom teeth surgery is right for you. As always, it’s important to speak with your dentist or oral surgeon before undergoing any type of dental procedure. If you have any questions or concerns about wisdom teeth surgery, don’t hesitate to ask!