Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom tooth extraction

Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, can be extracted before or after they erupt through the gumline, but most procedures take place while the teeth are still under the gums. Some of the reasons you might need to have your wisdom teeth removed include:

• Your wisdom teeth are erupting in a crooked orientation, which can damage other teeth, the jaw, or cause bite problems
• Your wisdom teeth did not fully erupt, which increases the risk of bacterial infection
• Your jaw is too small to accommodate your wisdom teeth
• A cyst has developed around the unerupted wisdom tooth, which can cause infection or injury to the bone or nerve tissue

Removing wisdom teeth helps reduce the risk of future oral health issues, allowing you to brush and floss thoroughly without obstructions.

How to prepare for wisdom teeth removal

If your dentist has recommended wisdom teeth removal, know that it’s a very common procedure that millions of people undergo each year. As an outpatient procedure, you will be able to go home after the surgery is complete. However, depending on the type of anesthesia you receive, you might need to have someone drive you to and from the dental office. Your dental surgeon will also have recommendations for eating prior to the surgery. Be sure to let them know if you are taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Wisdom tooth extraction with local anesthesia

For some wisdom tooth extraction procedures, patients are put under sedation or general anesthesia, but it’s not always necessary. For simple wisdom tooth extractions, local anesthesia may be enough. Local anesthesia involves an injection near the site of the tooth extraction, providing enough numbing effects to blunt any pain. Once the area is numb, the dentist will make an incision in the gumline to create flaps that expose the tooth and underlying bone. If some of the bone area is blocking the tooth, the dentist will remove it, then divide the tooth into sections to make it easier to remove. Once all the tooth sections and any remaining debris are cleared away, the gums are stitched back together. The dentist will place gauze over the extraction site to control bleeding.

Wisdom teeth removal follow-up appointment

It’s important to follow all of your dentist’s aftercare recommendations following wisdom teeth removal surgery. These instructions may include:

• Maintaining pressure on the gauze for at least an hour afterward
• Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water every 1-2 hours for the next two days
• Keeping your mouth clean, carefully brushing around the surgery site
• Eating soft foods, preferably high in protein
• Using ice packs on your face to control swelling
• Keeping hydrated, but avoiding drinking through straws for a week after surgery

The healing process takes a few days. If you received dissolvable sutures, they should dissolve within 3 to 14 days. For traditional sutures, your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to remove them. You shouldn’t need a follow-up appointment for any other reason, but if the area is still bleeding after 48 hours, or you notice symptoms of dry socket (an infection that leads to throbbing pain shooting up toward the ear), you’ll need to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

If you require wisdom tooth extraction surgery and you’re looking for an affordable alternative to U.S.-based dentists, BioCare Dental in Tijuana offers expert dental services and high-quality care. Give us a call at (619) 754-8508 to schedule a consultation today.