Some people never get wisdom teeth, but those who do usually get them between 17 and 25. No matter when they erupt, your doctor may recommend wisdom teeth removal for various reasons, including impaction, misalignment, tight spacing, and decay.
If your dentist has suggested removing your wisdom teeth, there is no need to panic. While wisdom tooth extraction is considered surgery, it is performed safely every day in offices across Croydon.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about this common dental procedure.
Why Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Necessary?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars in the back of your mouth. They typically appear between the ages of 17 and 25 and are detected on X-rays. The majority of people have them removed for one of the following reasons:
- They have been impacted. Wisdom teeth may not come in normally because they are so far back in your mouth. They can be trapped in your jawbone or gums, causing pain.
- They approach from the wrong side. They may put pressure on your other teeth.
- Your mouth is not big enough. So, there is no room in your jaw for an extra set of molars.
- You have tooth decay or gum disease. Your toothbrush or dental floss may not be able to reach your wisdom teeth.
Before Surgery
You will meet with our surgeon at Smile Crew to talk about the process. At this dental appointment, ensure you discuss your health issues and list of drugs you take daily. You can also ask our surgeons about what type of anaesthesia you will have. Remember, you can either be numb or asleep during your wisdom teeth removal surgery.
During Surgery
Wisdom Teeth Surgery should take around 45 minutes. Our dentists will give one of these types of anaesthesia, so you don’t undergo pain during the removal:
- Local – Our doctor will numb your mouth with local anaesthetic like novocaine, lidocaine, or mepivacaine. You may also be given nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, to help you relax or even sleep during surgery. Soon after, you should feel more alert.
- IV Sedation – The surgeon will numb your mouth and give you drugs through a vein in your arm to make you drowsy. You may fall asleep during the procedure.
- General – You will either be given drugs through a vein or breathe gas in through a mask. You will be asleep the entire time and may not wake up for an hour or so after the procedure.
To extract the teeth, your doctor may have to cut your gums or bone. If that’s the case, the wounds will be stitched shut so they can heal quickly. After a few days, these stitches usually dissolve. They might also put gauze pads in your mouth to absorb some of the blood.
After Surgery
The majority of people experience little to no pain after the surgery. But, for the next few days, you will most likely experience swelling and mild discomfort. It may take a few weeks for your mouth to heal completely.
Follow our dentist’s advice for a faster recovery. Here are some tips for the first 3 days after surgery:
Dos:
- Apply an ice pack to your face to reduce swelling and skin colour changes.
- For a sensitive jaw, apply moist heat.
- To exercise your jaw, gently open and close your mouth.
- Consume soft foods such as soup, pasta, or rice.
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Begin brushing your teeth on the second day. Avoid brushing up against any blood clots.
- Take doctor-prescribed drugs to ease pain or swelling.
Don’ts:
- Don’t drink through a straw.
- Don’t rinse your mouth too harshly.
- Avoid eating foods that are hard, crunchy, or sticky because they may irritate your wounds.
- Don’t smoke.
Why Smile Crew For Your Wisdom Teeth Removal?
With proper aftercare, recovery usually takes nearly 2 weeks. Sometimes, a person may develop an infection and will require antibiotics. In that case, contact our dentists immediately.
Our experienced dentists at Smile Crew are licenced and qualified to perform various dental surgeries while closely monitoring your other health issues. So, book your appointment today!
You can book a dental appointment online with us or reach out to us on the below contact details.
Smile Crew Dentist Croydon
Address: 111 Maroondah Hwy, Croydon VIC 3136
Phone Number: 03 9723 0703