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Getting your wisdom teeth removed can be nerve-wracking. Fortunately, there are ways to prepare for the procedure and improve your overall experience.
Fasting is usually required before sedation anesthesia surgery, so you should avoid eating or drinking for at least 8 hours. Your surgeon might also provide specific instructions on what not to eat.
You should also tell your surgeon about all the medications you’re currently taking. These can affect the procedure and may need to be adjusted before the surgery.
Wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothes on the day of the surgery. Lastly, have someone drive you back home after the procedure. You don’t want to drive with anesthesia in your system.
You’ll be given anesthesia before the procedure; you can talk to your dentist beforehand about which one you prefer. Here are your potential options:
| Anesthesia type | Description |
| Local anesthesia | You'll be awake, but the area around your wisdom teeth will be completely numbed, so you won't feel pain. |
| Sedation anesthesia | Medication is delivered through an IV to make you relaxed and drowsy. You may even doze off but can still respond to cues. Local anesthesia will also ensure you don't feel any pain. |
| General anesthesia | You will be fully unconscious, requiring a breathing tube for assistance, and will be closely monitored throughout the procedure. Typically reserved for more complex cases or if you will have all 4 wisdom teeth removed at one time. |
Successful wisdom tooth removal surgery isn’t just about being prepared; it’s also about having the right surgeon. Look for an “Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon.” They’re experts in facial surgery, tooth extractions, and complex cases.
You might also want to ask your dentist for referrals or recommendations. You can even check online resources like the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons website to find reputable surgeons.
Once you find a surgeon, talk to them about your concerns during the consultation. Don’t hesitate to ask questions.
The exact steps of the procedure can vary depending on the position of your wisdom tooth, but here’s a general idea of what happens. First, the surgeon creates an incision in your gum tissue to access the wisdom tooth.
If the tooth is impacted, it may need to be removed in sections to make extraction easier. After the tooth is successfully removed, you will likely receive stitches to close the gum tissue.
These stitches typically dissolve on their own over time. Once the surgery is complete, gauze is placed over the extraction site to stop any bleeding.
After the procedure, you’ll be moved to a recovery area. The time you spend here may vary depending on the type of anesthesia used.
They’ll give you post-operative care instructions that you can do at home. Once you’re fully alert and comfortable, they can send you on your way home.
But before you go, you should ask questions about post-op care if anything is unclear. Additionally, many oral surgeons offer online resources, videos, or pamphlets with extra details on pre and post-op instructions, which can be helpful.
Recovering from the procedure is about managing pain, swelling, and comfort. Following all your surgeon's instructions helps support proper healing for your gums, bone, and the surrounding area.
This can minimize your risk for complications that can affect your long-term oral health. Here are some things you can do to ensure a successful recovery:
| Pain management | Oral hygiene | Diet |
| Take over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers as instructed. | Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, but avoid brushing directly over the extraction. | Eat soft foods and clear liquids to avoid irritating your gums. |
| Apply an ice pack on your face at the area of the extraction to reduce swelling and discomfort. | Rinse with warm salt water to keep your mouth clean and soothe your gums. | Eat slowly and carefully on the opposite side of the extraction. |
| Avoid sucking on straws, smoking, or any action that can dislodge the blood clot for a week. | Avoid spicy, crunchy, chewy, and sticky foods. These can disrupt the healing process. |
Be sure to go to your follow-up dental appointments after the procedure. Your dentist will monitor the extraction site, overall tooth health, and potential changes to your jawbone. They can detect problems early on and prevent future complications.
Although wisdom tooth removals are considered safe and routine, there are potential complications. Being informed will help you recognize and address problems before they worsen.
Here are some of the complications that can occur:
As you recover, pay close attention to these signs that might indicate a complication and warrant contacting your dental professional:
Although this might seem frightening, most complications are treatable. Contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately if you see any of these signs.
Aside from the abovementioned potential complications, there are some potential long-term problems you may need to consider.
Removing a wisdom tooth can affect the health of your jawbone. Over time, the area where the tooth has been removed can lose volume or density.
This is a natural process, but if this space remains empty, it could eventually weaken the bone.
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