Complete Guide to Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery

Constant throbbing pain near your molars, aches and pains in other teeth, and headaches have all been haunting you. You finally decided you’ve suffered long enough! It’s time to stop your wisdom teeth from causing you so much stress, so you scheduled a wisdom teeth removal surgery.

Having your wisdom teeth removed is ideal for anyone who suffers from the symptoms listed above. Although some people experience no trouble growing in their wisdom teeth, others are not so lucky. Once your wisdom teeth are removed and you recover from your surgery, you’ll experience instant relief.

What can you expect from your wisdom teeth extraction? Continue reading the guide below for a list of what to expect before, during, and after your surgery!

Surgery Preparation

Before your wisdom teeth are removed, you’ll meet with the surgeon and discuss the procedure. Now is the perfect time to ask any questions you might have about the surgery and recovery. You’ll want to discuss any current health conditions and medications you’re on as well.

Then, be sure to keep the following in mind also.

Dental Insurance

Do make sure to check with your dental insurance provider to determine if your surgery will be covered or not. Some dental insurances will cover the entire amount while others will only cover a portion. Some insurance plans will only cover the cost of the surgery if your wisdom teeth are impacted.

You’ll want to know what the conditions are for proper coverage to then determine how much you’ll need to pay out of pocket.

Impacted wisdom teeth are when there’s not enough room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth to grow in. You’ll notice if you have impacted wisdom teeth when you start to feel pain in other teeth, which may be forced together from the wisdom teeth growing in. Your dentist will be able to tell you if this is the case.

Questions to Ask

There are a few questions you might want to ask the surgeon before the actual surgery. For example, you should ask about the different forms of anesthesia and which might be the best option for you. You might need to ask how your current medications will interact with medications you’ll need to take during your recovery.

Plus, don’t forget to ask any other questions you have about the actual surgery and recovery process.

Planning Stages

Your wisdom teeth removal surgery might take you several weeks to fully recover from. For this reason, it’s ideal to plan for this recovery time. If you have children, then who will take them and pick them up from school and daycare?

Are you able to take time off of work? Will someone be at your home with you to offer help when needed? Start planning before your surgery to ensure a stress-free experience.

During the Surgery

The surgery will take around 45 minutes, give or take. It might be faster or longer depending on difficulties that may or may not arise. You’ll be given the option to choose what type of anesthesia you want to have during the surgery.

It’s a good idea to do your research on each one before making a final decision.

Local

With local anesthesia, you’ll be given a numbing shot in your mouth or a laughing gas to help you relax during the surgery. You may dose off throughout, but will be alert soon after the surgery is over.

General

General anesthesia will be administered through an IV or through breathing in gas. You’ll be asleep during the entire surgery and will wake up an hour or so after the surgery is over.

IV Sedation

During IV sedation, the surgeon will numb your mouth and then give you an IV as well to help you stay relaxed. You’ll most likely sleep during the surgery or feel drowsy.

After the Surgery

You won’t know how your body will react to the type of anesthesia you choose until you receive it. For this reason, it’s best to have someone come with you to the surgery and drive you home. Everyone heals differently, but you’ll most likely experience swelling for about 3 days.

You’ll need several weeks to heal completely.

Recovery

Follow these instructions without error. You may be told to rinse with saltwater, but don’t spit the water out.

Instead, let it run out of your mouth. You may be given gauze pads to switch out on a regular basis, and so on.

Pain Management

You’ll be given antibiotics to prevent an infection, but you’ll also be given instructions for pain medication. Your surgeon should tell you what pain medications to take, how much of them to take, and how often.

What to Eat

Eat soft foods that don’t require much chewing directly after having your wisdom teeth removed. Remember, you’ll most likely have stitches, and you don’t want to disrupt them. Avoid hot foods, hard foods, and drinking through a straw until healed.

Come Prepared to Your Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery

Scheduling a wisdom teeth removal surgery is beneficial for anyone suffering from tooth pain caused by incoming wisdom teeth. If you don’t have the space in your mouth for them, then it’s time to have them removed! As with any surgery, it’s essential to plan for it in advance.

Know what to expect before, during, and after your surgery to ensure the best possible experience. To find more health topics and many other topics as well, don’t forget to check back here on a daily basis!