A comprehensive guide to wisdom teeth removal

How to prepare for your wisdom teeth removal? What goes on during surgery? What should you do once you return home? Get the facts here and be prepared.

If your doctor has recommended wisdom teeth removal, don’t postpone your decision. You should see to it quickly, because the younger you are, the less complicated the whole procedure will be.

The dentist often gives the ‘‘good” news to the young adult during a routine exam. One or several wisdom teeth are growing in abnormally. It is growing at an angle or is stuck under the gum—it is an impacted tooth. Or, a new wisdom tooth is difficult to clean because of lack of space at the back of the jaw, and there is a risk of developing an infection or cavity. These are all factors that justify removing a tooth.

As a general rule, the removal of wisdom teeth is performed by a dental surgeon. Before going ahead with the surgery, he or she will inquire about your general health and your medical history. Expect to be asked about any medication you may be taking and whether you suffer from any allergies. It is important to be honest in answering; don’t keep anything back.

The surgeon may prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medicine for you to take a few days prior to your wisdom teeth removal. You could also be given a sedative to control your anxiety on the day of the surgery; if such is the case, you must not eat or drink before the procedure. Follow all of the instructions that you will be given by the dental surgeon or by members of the dental team. On the day of your surgery, wear comfortable clothing and ask someone to go along with you so you can get home without driving.

Approximately 20 minutes after you have been given the intravenous or inhaled sedative, you will be given a local anesthetic. The removal of your wisdom teeth can begin as soon as the area to be treated is numb. Thanks to modern techniques, the pain and discomfort will be practically nonexistent, even when the dentist makes an incision to remove the tooth. You will be pampered by the entire team until you are ready to leave the clinic. You can expect to receive a list of instructions as well as an emergency phone number in case any complications arise.

You will most probably leave the dental office with a prescription for some gentle painkillers and, possibly, anti-inflammatory medication. A bit of advice: have your prescription filled right away, while the local anesthetic is still working. During the first days following your wisdom teeth removal, it is best to follow a few guidelines for speedy healing and warding off discomfort.

• eat soft foods
• drink cold non-alcoholic beverages
• abstain from smoking
• brush regularly, but avoid the area where the surgery was performed

You will be over your adventure in a matter of a few days. The positive side is that you will never again have to worry about these teeth, which, you will agree, don’t hold much wisdom at all!