Wisdom teeth are the additional molars an individual generally grows on the top and bottom arches of their mouth. Some people may not have wisdom teeth or know that they have it but the majority of us do. These extra teeth are often removed in our late teens or early twenties as evolution would have it; they’re no longer needed. Why do we remove our wisdom teeth you may ask? As we no longer dependent on extra teeth nor have the space in our mouths to accommodate these teeth, the lack of space can sometimes cause pain or discomfort or leave the wisdom tooth to grow or erupt in an odd manner. 

Even though the idea of having surgery can be frightening, being aware of what to expect can help you feel more at ease and prepared for the procedure. In this blog post, we will outline what to expect before, during, and after having your wisdom teeth removed.

After assessing your suitability for removal (or whether you can keep your wisdom teeth), your dentist or oral surgeon will give you thorough information on how to get ready before your wisdom teeth removal procedure. This usually involves making transportation arrangements, fasting requirements, and taking any prescribed medication. Along with discussing pain management options with you, your dentist may write you a prescription for painkillers. Prior to your surgery, you can also make the decision on whether you want to remove your wisdom teeth in stages or all at once. Some patients choose to wait in stages due to cost factors or purely because only one of their four wisdom teeth are causing them discomfort. Other patients choose to have them all taken out at once, even if only one is problematic.

A local anaesthetic will be administered to numb the area while your wisdom teeth are removed. To access and remove the wisdom teeth, your dentist or oral surgeon will make incisions in the gum tissue. Additional incisions or bone removal may be required if the teeth need to be extracted surgically or are more complicated or impacted.

You could feel sore and uncomfortable after having your wisdom teeth removed. You will receive comprehensive advice on how to control this discomfort and promote healing. This could entail getting pain relief, cooling the injured area with ice, and staying away from particular foods and activities. To keep the region clean, you might also need to use a specific mouthwash or do saltwater rinses. Please be aware that you may have facial swelling for up to two weeks following the procedure. 

The surgical removal of wisdom teeth is a regular and common treatment. You can reduce your worry and be more prepared for the procedure by being aware of what to expect before, during, and after the surgery. Follow your dentist's or oral surgeon's instructions precisely, and get in touch with them if you have any questions or concerns.

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