What to Expect When Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

What to Expect When Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

What to Expect When Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Has your dentist recently told you that it is time to have your wisdom teeth removed? You’re not alone! According to recent data, around 5 million individuals have their wisdom teeth removed each year. Your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon, who will do the procedure in office. Afterwards, it should only take a few days for you to recover. 

Why Take Them Out?

Wisdom teeth, a third set of molars in the back of your mouth, typically come in between the ages of 17 and 25. Typically, you will need to get your wisdom teeth removed for one of these reasons:

  • They Are Impacted: It is very common for wisdom teeth to not come in normally. They can get trapped in your jawbone or gums, which can be quite painful and shift the alignment of your other teeth
  • They Come in at the Wrong Angle: Once again, this can shift the alignment of your other teeth
  • You Have Cavities or Gum Disease: Since they are so far in the back of your mouth, you might not be able to reach your wisdom teeth with a toothbrush or floss
  • Your Mouth Isn’t Big Enough: After all, three sets of molars is a lot

The Surgery

The surgery to remove your wisdom teeth should only last about 45 minutes, barring any complications. Typically, your oral surgeon will use one of these three anesthesia so you do not feel any pain during the procedure: 

  1. Local anesthesia
  2. IV sedation
  3. General anesthesia

Your surgeon will cut the bones or gums to get the teeth out. Afterwards, they’ll stitch the wounds shut so they heal quickly. Generally, they will use stitches that dissolve after a couple of days. They will also use gauze to absorb some of the blood.

After Surgery

While everyone reacts to anesthesia differently, if you had local anesthesia, there is a chance you can drive yourself home after the procedure. Otherwise, plan to have someone accompany you to the appointment and drive you home. Most people will experience no pain after the surgery, and only some mild discomfort and swelling for 3-5 days afterwards.