Wisdom teeth are the last teeth in the mouth to erupt, generally between 18 - 21 years old. Most times, it does not grow straight because of a lack of space in the jaw. When a wisdom tooth grows sideways partially, it can cause food trap leading to decay in the healthy tooth in front of it. Wisdom teeth are sometimes also removed to create space for teeth alignments with braces / clear aligners. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

At the time of the extraction the doctor will numb your tooth, jawbone, and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.

During the extraction process, you will expect to feel pressure but not pain. This is from the process of moving the tooth side to side to allow it to be loosened and ultimately removed.

If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction, please let us know right away!

POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS

After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. 

• Bite on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes immediately after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times to staunch the flow of blood.

• Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or chew on food next to the extraction site for 72 hours. 

• Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours.

AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT

• After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.

• Use pain medication as directed.

• Call our office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone.

• Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable. This is the best time to eat ice cream! 

• It is important to resume your normal dental routine, including brushing and flossing. This will speed up healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

• After a few days you should feel fine, and be able to resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for two to three days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately.