What to Expect When Wisdom Teeth Are Removed in Adults?

Your dentist has recommended that you get your wisdom teeth removed. They could refer you to an oral surgeon for the procedure, which will be done at their office. In a few days, you should be able to heal and return to normal.

Why Take Them Out?

• Wisdom teeth are a third set of molars at the back of your mouth. They usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25, and they may be seen on X-rays. The majority of people get them removed for one of these reasons.
• They've been affected in some way. Because wisdom teeth are so far back in the mouth, they may not come in on a regular basis. They might get stuck in your jawbone or gums, causing discomfort.
• They are approaching from the wrong way. It's possible that they'll come into touch with your other teeth.
• There isn't enough room in your mouth. You don't have room in your jaw for another set of molars.
• Your teeth are decayed or your gums are infected. Your toothbrush or dental floss may not be able to reach your wisdom teeth.

Before Surgery

You’ll meet with the oral surgeon to talk about the process. At this appointment, make sure you:

• Discuss any health concerns you may have.
• Make a list of any medications you use on a regular basis.
• Inquire about any concerns you may have concerning the procedure.
• Decide on the sort of anaesthetic you'll get. During the procedure, you will either be numb or sleepy.
• Schedule time off from work or school for your procedure and then recuperate at home. If necessary, arrange for kid care, pet care, or a transport home.

During Surgery

Your operation should take no more than 45 minutes.

You'll be given one of the following forms of anaesthetic to keep you pain-free during the procedure:

Local: A dose of local anaesthetic, such as novocaine, lidocaine, or mepivicaine, will numb your mouth. You can also take nitrous oxide, popularly known as laughing gas, to help you relax or perhaps sleep during your procedure. Shortly after that, you should feel more awake.

IV sedation: The surgeon will numb your lips and administer medicines to make you sleepy through a vein in your arm. During the operation, you may fall asleep.

General: You'll either be injected with medicines or breathe gas through a mask. You'll be sleeping the whole procedure and may not wake up for an hour or more afterward.

After Surgery

Anesthesia affects everyone differently. You may be allowed to drive home to begin your recuperation if you got a local anaesthetic and are aware. It's possible that you'll be able to return to work or resume your daily activities. You'll need someone to drive you home if you received general anaesthesia or are still groggy.

After surgery, the majority of patients have little to no discomfort. For the next three days or so, you'll most likely experience swelling and some pain. It may take a few weeks for your mouth to recover fully.

For a faster recovery, follow your doctor's directions. Here are some suggestions for the first three days following surgery:

Dos:

• Use an ice pack on your face to curb swelling or skin color changes.
• Use moist heat for a sore jaw.
• Gently open and close your mouth to exercise your jaw.
• Eat soft foods like pasta, rice, or soup.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Brush your teeth starting the second day. Don’t brush against any blood clots.
• Take the drugs your doctor prescribes to ease pain or swelling.
• Call your doctor if you have a fever, or if your pain or swelling doesn’t improve.

Don’ts:

• Don’t drink through a straw. Sucking may loosen blood clots that help your mouth heal.
• Don’t rinse your mouth too harshly. Your doctor may suggest rinsing gently with saltwater.
• Don’t eat hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that may scratch your wounds.
• Don’t smoke. Smoking can slow your healing.