Your wisdom teeth are going to be the last set of molars that grow in your mouth during your late teens or early twenties. If they come in healthy, they can be valuable to your mouth. In many cases, they will grow in misalignment or impacted and need to be removed. When researching wisdom tooth removal, you need to consider if removal is the best option and what to expect.
Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
There are a few different reasons for wisdom teeth removal. First, wisdom teeth can be impacted. This means the wisdom tooth grew towards another tooth, towards the back of your mouth, sideways, or trapped in your jaw.
You might also need your wisdom teeth removed if your mouth is too small to comfortably house them. This can cause issues with the crowding of your other teeth, so a dentist may recommend removal before they even grow in.
Wisdom tooth removal is also recommended if the tooth has become diseased or rotten. This can happen when you have a hard time brushing and flossing your wisdom teeth because they are too far back in your mouth.
The best way to determine if you need your wisdom teeth removed is to ask your dentist to see what they say. They will probably want to take X-rays of your mouth to determine if your wisdom teeth are going to cause any issues or if they are okay to be left.
What Happens During the Removal Process?
The first step of the process is preparing for the surgery. You can ask your surgeon for specifics during your consultation. They will tell you what you need to do in the days before the surgery, how long recovery will take, and the type of anesthesia that will be used during the process.
When you head to your removal appointment, you will want to wear comfortable clothing. Make sure you take a copy of your dental insurance and any paperwork that is required. You will likely need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from the appointment depending on the anesthesia.
After the anesthesia is administered, the surgeon numbs around your wisdom teeth. They will start by removing gum tissue and bone, if necessary, then loosen the tooth for removal. When the tooth is out, the surgeon will stitch the area up. You will have gauze to bite down on to control blood flow.
Healing Process
The recovery and healing process can take up to six weeks to completely heal, but you will usually be able to start your normal activities again the day following your procedure. You will likely experience some bleeding and discomfort in the first few days, so make sure to listen to your body and don’t do any activity that makes you feel pain or discomfort.
You will be sent home with some extra gauze for additional bleeding that might occur. Eating and drinking will be tricky during the healing process, and your surgeon will likely give you a full list of what you can eat.