Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars to emerge at the very back of your mouth. Most people will start to develop these molars during their late teens/early 20s. However due to modern human jaws lacking space for these extra molars they tend to twist. The teeth can cause issues with adjacent molars by emerging at unusual angles or can become trapped beneath your gums. If you are experiencing pain, overcrowding or bacterial infections your dentist will advise you to have the teeth extracted. Understanding what will happen and being careful during your recovery will ensure you heal quickly and can help to keep your mouth healthy in the future. Be empowered in your dental health by knowing what to expect.

Why your dentist will advise you to extract your wisdom teeth?

Throughout regular check ups, your dentist will monitor your wisdom teeth using digital x-rays. If there is no enough space in your jaw for these large back molars serious dental problems can occur quickly. Impacted wisdom teeth can easily trap food and bacteria underneath them causing painful decay to your adjacent teeth. The pressure from your wisdom teeth growing can cause your front teeth to become misaligned and you can lose your expensive orthodontic treatment. Removing problematic wisdom teeth will prevent this from happening.

  • Early detection of impacted wisdom teeth using advanced technology.

  • Prevents overcrowding.

  • Prevents painful decay to adjacent molars.

  • Ensures you maintain a straight healthy bite as your dentist will remove impacted teeth.

Signs your wisdom teeth need removing:

Your body will give clear signs that your wisdom teeth need removing. If ignored they can cause bacteria to grow and damage your jaw bone. Sharp pain in the back of your jaw usually means your wisdom teeth are putting pressure on the roots of your adjacent teeth. Swelling around your back molars can mean your teeth are becoming impacted with food causing active bacterial infections. Cysts can also form around impacted wisdom teeth causing damage to your jaw bone.

  • Throbbing pain in back of jaw when chewing.

  • Swollen, painful or sore gums at the back of your mouth.

  • Soreness in jaw.

  • You will feel the urge to visit your dental professional.

Preparing for surgery:

In order to ensure your procedure goes as smoothly as possible you will have a consultation with your oral surgeon. Throughout this consultation your surgeon will take detailed 3D images of your roots and nerve pathways. You will also discuss your medical history and what medications you take on a daily basis. Your surgeon will also inform you of the different types of anesthetic you can have. You can decide whether you want a local anesthetic, laughing gas or deep sedation.

  • Detailed 3D scans are taken to locate nerve pathways.

  • Medical history will be discussed.

  • Decide how comfortable you want to be.

  • Ensure you obey fasting guidelines.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process:

Understanding what will happen throughout your surgery can help to ease any fears. Once seated in the chair your dentist will get you ready. Your surgeon will administer your chosen anesthetic to numb any pain. A small cut will be made in your gums to expose your impacted wisdom tooth and bone. If your tooth is impacted your surgeon will break the tooth into smaller pieces. Once removed your area will be cleaned and your gums will be stitched together with dissolvable stitches.

  • A strong anesthetic will be administered.

  • Impacted teeth will be broken up.

  • Gums will be stitched with dissolvable stitches.

  • Relax whilst your skilled team perform your extraction.

Pain relief during surgery:

Many people worry about experiencing pain during their oral surgery. Thanks to modern anesthetic you will feel completely comfortable throughout. Your gums and jaw will be numbed using a local anesthetic. If you opt for IV sedation you will fall into a deep peaceful sleep. Once the numbness wears off you will feel mild discomfort. You can take prescribed pain relief or over the counter anti-inflammatory medication.

  • Modern local anesthetic will numb any sharp pain.

  • IV sedation will put you to sleep.

  • Take over the counter pain killers.

  • Follow your dentist’s advice on pain relief.

First 24 Hours:

During the first 24 hours following your extraction you will want to rest. Your body will start to heal as a blood clot will form in the area where your tooth was. For the first hour bite gently onto some clean gauze to help prevent any bleeding. Ensure you rest with your head elevated on some pillows. Avoid any strenuous activity to ensure your blood pressure remains steady. Ensuring you look after your blood clot will prevent you from experiencing any painful complications and will help you heal quicker.

  • Bite onto some sterile gauze.

  • Rest with your head elevated.

  • Avoid strenuous activity.

  • Stick to all post op guidelines to ensure a quick recovery.

Healthy Eating:

Eating the right foods will help to protect your extraction sites and keep your body strong. Eat soft nutritious foods that don’t require chewing. Drink cool water throughout the day. Avoid using a straw as this can cause your blood clot to be dislodged. Avoid eating spicy foods, hot drinks or foods with small seeds as they can irritate your open gums.

  • Eat cool yogurt, apple sauce and pureed soups.

  • Do not use a straw.

  • Avoid eating spicy foods.

  • Start introducing solid foods gradually as your gums heal.

Oral Hygiene:

Keeping your mouth clean will help to prevent bacterial infections. For the first few days you will need to take extra care when brushing. Avoid brushing the teeth adjacent to your extraction site for 24 hours. Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water after every meal. Do not spit forcefully into the sink. Allow the liquid to run out of your mouth to help protect your healing jaw bone.

  • Rinse with warm salt water.

  • Allow liquid to run out of your mouth.

  • Be gentle when brushing around your teeth after day 2.

  • Keep your mouth clean.

Healing of Bone and Gums:

Although your gums will heal quickly your jaw bone will take several months to heal. Your soft gums will heal and completely close over within 2 weeks. Beneath your body will produce new bone minerals to fill the gap. Attend any follow up appointments to ensure your dentist can confirm you are healing correctly. Continue to brush and floss your teeth daily to ensure your natural teeth remain healthy and strong for many years to come.

  • Soft gums will heal and close over within 2 weeks.

  • Jaw bone will take several months to heal and produce new tissue to fill the gaps.

  • Attend any follow up appointments.

  • Enjoy long term oral health benefits as your jaw heals.

Signs of complications:

Most people will make a good recovery but it is important to recognize the signs that you need to seek medical attention. Dry socket can occur if your blood clot is dislodged too soon causing you to experience severe throbbing pain. If you are experiencing a constant fever, increased swelling in your face after 3 days or pus from your gums this can be a sign of a spreading bacterial infection. Contact your oral surgeon immediately.

  • Severe throbbing pain.

  • Increased swelling in face after 3 days.

  • Contact your surgeon if you have a fever or pus.

  • Seek medical attention.

Top Tips for a quick recovery:

By following expert advice you will have a comfortable recovery. Apply an ice pack to your cheeks for 20 minutes at a time within the first 48 hours. Take your medications as advised. Ensure you get a good nights sleep. Be kind to your body and you will recover quickly with a healthy smile.

  • Apply ice pack.

  • Take your medications.

  • Get a good nights sleep.

  • Have a smooth quick recovery.