Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom tooth removal may be done in the dental office or at the hospital. Any infections prior to the surgery need to be treated, you may need antibiotics to treat your infection.  On the day of the surgery, your dentist will give you a local anesthetic in order to numb the area where your tooth will be removed.  General anesthesia is used only when several teeth are being removed at once; this type of anesthesia causes your whole body to sleep during the surgery.  Whenever you receive anesthesia, you are not allowed to eat or drink anything after 12am the night before your surgery.

When the dentist removes the wisdom tooth, they peel off the gum tissue that lies over the tooth and takes out any bone that is covering the tooth.  The tissue joining the tooth to the bone is removed and then the tooth is removed.  If it is easier for the dentist to remove the tooth by cutting it into tiny pieces, they will do this as well.  Due to the severity of the surgery in your mouth, you may require stitches, these will dissolve in your mouth; a cotton gauze is placed in your mouth to help prevent bleeding.

Generally you will see improvement in a few days; your dentist will prescribe painkillers to take as necessary.   There are a few guidelines that can be followed to have a safe and speedy recovery:

1. Change gauze regularly to keep good hygiene
2. Stay in a sitting position, at least for the first day, so that the bleeding stops
3. Apply ice to the cheek for 15-20 minutes the first day to reduce swelling
4. Make sure you do not do any strenuous activity as this can increase bleeding
5. Eat only foods prescribed by your dentist
6. Do not use a straw the first few days as this can postpone the healing process
7. The day after the surgery, soak your mouth in warm salt water.  This helps reduce the pain and swelling
8. Do not smoke for 24 hours after surgery, this can cause an infection and delay healing process
9. Ensure that you brush your teeth and tongue gently so as not to cause bleeding
10. You may have  a follow up appointment to remove the stitches or to check on the healing

The information provided is for general information purposes only and not intended to replace professional care. Please consult your physician or dentist for advice and diagnoses so you can be properly treated for your specific situation.