What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of molars that typically emerge in late teens or early twenties. These teeth, located at the back of the mouth, can often lead to various dental issues due to their late arrival and limited space in the jaw.

What to Expect?

Understanding the process of wisdom tooth removal can help alleviate anxiety. From the initial consultation to the recovery period, know what to expect at each stage of the procedure.

When Is Removal Needed? Why Take Them Out?

Explore the reasons why wisdom tooth removal is often recommended. From overcrowding and impaction to the risk of infection, discover when extraction becomes a necessary step for maintaining optimal oral health.

• Impacted. Because they’re so far back in your mouth, wisdom teeth may not come in normally. They can be trapped in your jawbone or gums, which can be painful.
• Wisdom tooth come in at the wrong angle. They may press against your other teeth.
• Your mouth isn’t big enough. Your jaw has no room for an extra set of molars.
• You have cavities or gum disease. You may not be able to reach your wisdom teeth with your toothbrush or dental floss.

Before Surgery

You’ll meet with the dental surgeon to talk about the process. At this appointment, make sure you:

• Talk about any health problems you have.
• List any drugs you take on a regular basis.
• Ask any questions you have about the surgery.
• Discuss what type of anesthesia you’ll have. You can either be numb or asleep during your surgery.
• Plan time off from work or school to have your surgery and rest afterward at home. Set up a ride home if needed.

During Surgery

Demystify the wisdom tooth extraction procedure. Understand the anesthesia options, the surgical process, and how your dental surgeon ensures your comfort and safety during the operation.

Your surgery should take 45 minutes or less.

You’ll get one of these types of anesthesia so you don’t feel pain during the removal:

• Local: Your doctor will numb your mouth with a shot of local anesthetic such as novocaine, lidocaine or mepivicaine. You may also breathe nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, to relax or even doze during surgery. You should feel alert again shortly afterward. 
• IV sedation: The surgeon will numb your mouth and also give you drugs through a vein in your arm to make you drowsy. You might sleep during the whole procedure.
• General: You’ll either get drugs through a vein or breathe gas in through a mask. You’ll be asleep the whole time and might not wake up for an hour or so after the surgery.

Your doctor may have to cut your gums or bone to get the teeth out. If so, they’ll stitch the wounds shut so they heal quickly. These stitches usually dissolve after a few days. They may also stuff gauze pads in your mouth to soak up some of the blood.

After Surgery

Learn about proper care to minimize discomfort, reduce swelling, and promote a speedy recovery. Discover what foods to avoid, when to resume regular activities, and how to maintain good oral hygiene during the healing process.

Everyone responds differently to anesthesia. If you had a local anesthetic and feel alert, you might be able to drive home to begin your recovery. You might even be able to go back to work or do your normal activities. If you had general anesthesia or still feel drowsy, you’ll need someone to drive you home.

Most people have little to no pain after surgery. You’ll likely have swelling and mild discomfort for 3 or so days. Your mouth may need a few weeks to completely heal.

Follow your doctor’s instructions for a quicker recovery. Here are some tips for the first 3 days after surgery:

Dos:

• Use an ice pack on your face to curb swelling or skin colour changes.
• Use moist heat for a sore jaw.
• Eat soft foods like noodle, rice, or soup.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Brush your teeth starting the second day. Don’t brush against any blood clots.
• Take the drugs your doctor prescribes to ease pain or swelling.
• Call your doctor if you have a fever, or if your pain or swelling doesn’t improve.

Don’ts:

• Don’t drink through a straw. Sucking may loosen blood clots that help your mouth heal.
• Don’t rinse your mouth too harshly.
• Don’t eat hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that may scratch your wounds.
• Don’t smoke or vape. Smoking and vaping can slow down your wound healing significantly, resulting in prolong discomfort and delayed healing.