What To Expect During a Wisdom Tooth Extraction
If your dentist has recommended the extraction of your wisdom teeth, it may feel intimidating not knowing the process of tooth extraction. The method for your wisdom tooth extraction can be different depending on whether or not you need a simple extraction or a surgical extraction. A simple extraction means you have wisdom teeth that have grown above the gum line which makes the wisdom tooth extraction more manageable for the dentist. A surgical wisdom tooth extraction will require the dentist to make an incision along your gum line in order to retrieve the teeth that have not grown in above the gum line.
A Simple Extraction
It is important to speak with your dentist about any health problems you may have before the procedure as well as list any drugs you take on a regular basis. This is the time in which you can ask questions about the surgery or even tips for after the surgery about the extraction with your dentist. During a simple extraction, your dentist will likely give you a local anesthetic in order to ease the pain
during the extraction process. The local anesthetic usually is administered through a shot that will be injected into your gums where the extraction will be. In extreme simple extraction cases, the patient may require a simple sedation in order to ease the pain as well as anxiety or stress that is coupled with the procedure.
A Surgical Extraction
A surgical extraction depending on the complexity of the procedure should take about an hour or less per tooth. Your dentist will numb your gums with a local anesthetic as well as have you breathe in nitrous oxide which is otherwise known as laughing gas in order to relieve any anxiety or stress is you may feel during surgery. If the extraction will require a sedation, your dentist will numb your mouth and also hook up an IV through the vain in your arm and pump it with a sedative liquid that will allow you to sleep during the procedure. If you were given this form of sedation, it is essential to ensure you have a family member or a friend there with you to drive you home after the procedure as you may still be drowsy for a few hours after the procedure.
In order to retrieve the teeth that are well below your gum line or even bone, your doctor will have to cut through anything that may block the tooth from being extracted. After the procedure, your dentist will stitch up the extraction site with either regular stitches or more commonly, dissolvable stitches. Dissolvable stitches usually dissolve after only a few days, and it will eliminate the need to return to the dentist to have any stitches removed.
After Extraction
After your wisdom tooth extraction, it’s important to speak to your doctor about tips on the best ways to heal after the procedure. It’s important to rest and avoid chewing on any hard food or smoking tobacco as they can delay the healing process immensely.
Contact Ritter and Ramsey today for more information about tooth extractions or to set up your consultation.
Interested in learning more about extractions? Read about smoking limitations here.