Third molars, or wisdom teeth, are the final teeth to erupt and typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25. While some people have no problems with their wisdom teeth, others may be dealing with infections, crowding, or impaction that make removal necessary. If you’re considering having your wisdom teeth extracted, you might be curious about how long it takes and what to anticipate.
In this blog post, we will explore the process of wisdom tooth extractions near you and discuss the factors that can influence the duration of the procedure.
Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Removal
You will meet with a dentist or oral surgeon for a consultation before the actual extraction. X-rays will be obtained at this appointment to evaluate the position of your wisdom teeth and decide the best course of action. The teeth may need to be surgically extracted if they are impacted or haven’t fully erupted. Your oral healthcare professional will go through the process with you, go over any risks or potential consequences, and address any queries you might have.
Local Anesthesia or Sedation
Choosing the type of anesthetic for the extraction is the next step.
Local anesthetic, which numbs the surgical region while keeping you awake during the surgery, is commonly utilized. However, you can opt for additional sedative techniques including oral sedation, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or intravenous (IV) sedation according to your preferences or the difficulty of the extraction. The choice of anesthesia will affect the duration of the procedure.
Surgical Extraction
Surgery is required to remove wisdom teeth at their exact location. The length of time varies on a variety of variables, including the number of teeth being extracted, their placement, the difficulty of the extraction, and the specific circumstances of the patient. A simple wisdom teeth extraction can take anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes on average. The process could take longer if several teeth need to be extracted or the extraction is more difficult (such as when impacted teeth need to have bone removed).
Post-Extraction Recovery
Following the removal of the wisdom teeth, you will be sent to a recovery area where you will be under observation until the anesthetic wears off. Following the treatment, you can suffer some bleeding, swelling, and pain, which is common. Following surgery, your oral surgeon will give you post-operative advice on how to manage your discomfort, follow dietary restrictions, and take care of the extraction sites. Depending on each person’s pace of healing, full recovery usually takes a few days to a few weeks.
Follow-Up Appointments
You’ll probably schedule a follow-up session to assess your recovery after the procedure. Your dentist near you will examine the extraction sites, check to see whether you are healing appropriately, and remove the stitches if necessary. They will also address any issues or difficulties you might encounter during the healing process.
Tips to Aid You During Your Recovery
Tooth extraction is a routine dental procedure, but effective post-operative care is essential for a quick and complete recovery. Although recovery from wisdom teeth extraction might differ from person to person, by implementing these recommendations, you can reduce pain and improve healing.
- Give yourself plenty of rest.
- Manage pain and swelling.
- Maintain oral hygiene.
- Control bleeding.
- Avoid tobacco products and alcohol.
- Stick to soft foods.
- Attend follow-up appointments.
- Stay hydrated.
- Watch for signs of complications.
Wisdom tooth extractions in Indian Land are performed by experienced professionals who prioritize your comfort and safety. By following the post-operative instructions and giving yourself ample time to heal, you can recover smoothly and avoid potential complications.
Schedule a Session Today!
If you’re in need of wisdom tooth extraction or a consultation, consider visiting Flourish Family & General Dentistry. Our experienced dentist in Indian Land, can provide you with the care and guidance you need. Whether you’re experiencing discomfort or simply want to discuss the potential extraction of your wisdom teeth, our team of experts can help.
Contact our neighborhood clinic to set up an appointment and begin your oral health journey today!