How Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Performed?
Have you ever wondered what the wisdom teeth procedure involves? Wisdom teeth, those late bloomers at the back of your mouth, can sometimes cause more trouble than they’re worth. Whether it’s pain, crowding, or other dental issues, the decision to remove them can lead to a healthier smile. At Perth Wisdom Teeth Clinic, we believe in making dental care easy to understand and comfortable. Today, our Perth dentist will walk you through the essentials of wisdom teeth extraction, from identifying the need for extraction to ensuring a smooth recovery. Our goal is to help you feel informed and at ease with the procedure, ensuring you know what to expect every step of the way.
Why Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Removing wisdom teeth can often prevent future dental problems and maintain the health of your mouth. Here are the common reasons a dentist might recommend their removal:
Overcrowding
When wisdom teeth emerge, there’s not always enough room in your mouth for them. It can lead to the teeth pushing against each other, causing pain, crooked teeth, or even damage to adjacent teeth. It’s like adding extra chairs to an already full table; things get cramped and uncomfortable.
Misalignment
Wisdom teeth can grow in at awkward angles, sometimes even horizontally. This misalignment can make it difficult to bite and chew properly and may complicate oral hygiene efforts. It’s similar to trying to fit a square peg into a round hole; the alignment just doesn’t match up, leading to potential problems.
Pain
Whether it’s due to overcrowding, misalignment, or infection, wisdom teeth can cause significant discomfort. This pain can interfere with daily activities, such as eating and speaking, and generally diminish your quality of life.
Impaction
Often, wisdom teeth can’t fully emerge through the gums and become impacted. It can lead to infections, cysts, and damage to the jawbone and nearby teeth. Imagine a seed trying to sprout under a sidewalk; it’s stuck and can cause damage to its surroundings.
What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?
Impacted wisdom teeth are molars that don’t fully emerge through the gums. This impaction can lead to several issues:
Hard to Clean: Since they’re partially hidden, brushing and flossing around impacted wisdom teeth is difficult. It can lead to bacteria build-up, pain, and infection.
Pressure on Other Teeth: They can push against adjacent teeth, causing crowding, misalignment, and discomfort.
Potential for Cysts: In some cases, cysts or tumours can develop around the impacted tooth, damaging the jawbone and other teeth.
At Perth Wisdom Teeth Clinic, we monitor your teeth’s progress closely. Spotting impacted wisdom teeth early helps us guide you through the best options for your dental health, ensuring a comfortable and healthy smile.
Getting Ready for Removal: How to Prepare
Preparing for your wisdom tooth removal doesn’t have to be a big deal. You can ensure the process is as smooth and comfortable as possible with a few simple steps. Here’s what you can do to get ready for the big day:
Eat Light: If you’re going to be under general anaesthesia, you’ll need to fast, usually after midnight on the day of your surgery. This means no food or drinks, including water. It helps prevent any nausea or complications during the procedure.
Wear Comfortable Clothes: Choose loose-fitting, comfortable clothing for your appointment. Short sleeves are a good idea if you’ll be getting an IV.
Arrange a Ride: You’ll need someone to drive you home after the surgery, especially if you’ve had IV or general anaesthesia. Make sure to arrange this beforehand.
Prepare a Recovery Spot: Set up a comfortable spot at home where you can relax after the surgery. Include plenty of pillows to keep your head elevated, and have ice packs ready to help with swelling.
Stock Up on Soft Foods: You’ll want to stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods for a few days. Think yogurt, pudding, soup, and smoothies. Avoid hot foods and drinks right after the surgery.
Follow Pre-Op Instructions: Your dentist or oral surgeon might give you specific instructions to follow before your surgery. This could include taking certain medications or rinsing with a special mouthwash.
The Removal Process: What to Expect
Are you feeling anxious about your upcoming wisdom teeth removal? That’s completely normal. Let’s walk through what you can expect, step by step, so you feel more prepared and less worried. At Perth Wisdom Teeth Clinic, we’re all about ensuring you’re comfortable and informed.
Before the Procedure
Consultation: You’ll meet with your South Perth dentist or oral surgeon to discuss the procedure. This is a great time to ask any questions you have.
Choosing Sedation: Alongside local anaesthesia to numb the area around your wisdom teeth, some people may also require a form of dental sedation. For some, especially if their wisdom teeth are impacted, or they are feeling particularly anxious, or have special needs, we might recommend general anaesthesia. This means you’ll be asleep during the procedure and won’t feel a thing.
During the Procedure
Anaesthesia Application: If it’s local anaesthesia, you’ll be awake but won’t feel any pain in the area being worked on. With general anaesthesia, you’ll drift off to sleep. Other forms of sedation include happy gas, oral sedation, and IV sedation, each offering a different level of relaxation. Our dentists will decide on the best type of sedation for wisdom teeth removal for your case based on a combination of factors.
The Removal: Your dentist or oral surgeon will make a small incision in the gum to expose the tooth and bone. Any bone blocking access to the tooth root will be removed. Then, the tooth will be divided into sections (if necessary) and removed piece by piece. This method minimizes the amount of bone that needs to be removed to extract the tooth.
Cleaning and Stitching: After the tooth is out, the site is cleaned of any debris from the tooth or bone. The area may be stitched up to help with healing, using stitches that dissolve over time.
Recovery: You’ll be moved to a recovery area as you wake up from the anaesthesia. Local anaesthesia wears off quickly, so you’ll start regaining sensation in the treated area soon after the procedure.
After the Procedure
Rest: You’ll need someone to drive you home if you had IV sedation or general anaesthesia. It’s important to rest for the remainder of the day.
Follow-Up Care: We’ll give you specific instructions on how to care for your mouth as it heals. This will include things like using ice packs to reduce swelling, what foods to eat, and how to keep the area clean.
Aftercare: Foods and Drinks for Recovery
After removing your wisdom teeth, eating might be the last thing on your mind. But choosing the right foods and drinks is a key part of healing. Here’s a guide to what’s best to consume to help your recovery be as quick and comfortable as possible. Remember, gentle is the way to go!
Foods to Enjoy
Soft Fruits: Applesauce and bananas are your friends. They’re easy to eat and don’t require much chewing.
Soups and Broths: Warm (not hot) soups and broths can be soothing and contain nutrients. Just make sure they’re blended or smooth.
Yogurt: It’s soft, cold, and can be comforting. Plus, the probiotics are good for your gut.
Pudding and Jello: They are easy to eat and can also be a sweet treat that fits into your recovery diet.
Mashed Potatoes: They’re filling and can be flavoured in various ways to keep your meals interesting.
Smoothies: A great way to get in your fruits and veggies. Just sip them with a spoon or from a cup—no straws, as the suction can disrupt healing.
Drinks to Sip
Water: Staying hydrated is crucial. Drink plenty of water to help the healing process.
Herbal Teas: Warm herbal teas can be soothing, but ensure they’re not too hot.
Milk or Nut Milk: These can provide you with essential vitamins and minerals and are gentle on your recovery.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Temperature Matters: Keep your foods and drinks cool or at room temperature. Hot items can aggravate the extraction site.
No Straws: The suction can disturb the healing area, potentially leading to complications.
Gentle Chewing: If you can chew, do it on the side of your mouth away from the extraction site.
Nutrition is not just about keeping your stomach full; it’s about giving your body the building blocks it needs to heal. By sticking to soft, nutritious foods and staying hydrated, you’re helping your mouth to recover as smoothly as possible. At Perth Wisdom Teeth Clinic, we’re here to support you through every step of your recovery. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions about your aftercare diet or anything else.
Returning to Normal: Work and Exercise After Extraction
After your wisdom teeth are removed, you might be eager to return to your routine. However, giving your body the right time to heal is crucial. Here’s how you can safely return to work and exercise, keeping your recovery smooth and complication-free.
Getting Back to Work
Listen to Your Body: Everyone’s recovery is different. Some might feel up to returning to work a day or two after the procedure, especially if their job is more desk-based and less physically demanding. However, if your job involves heavy lifting or a lot of physical activity, you might need a few more days off.
Ease into It: Start with lighter tasks and see how you feel. If you experience discomfort or swelling, it might be a sign to take it easy for a bit longer.
Resuming Exercise
Wait a Bit: It’s generally advised to wait at least 48 hours before exercising. This waiting period helps prevent any bleeding or swelling at the extraction site.
Start Slow:
- Begin with low-impact activities like walking.
- Monitor how your body responds.
- Avoid high-impact exercises like running or jumping, as well as heavy lifting, for at least a week or until your dentist gives you the go-ahead.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, but remember, no straws! The suction can interfere with the healing process.
Precautions to Keep in Mind
Bleeding: If your exercise routine causes the extraction site to bleed, stop immediately and apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean gauze. If bleeding persists, contact your dentist.
Pain and Swelling: Some discomfort and swelling are normal, but if either increases significantly after resuming activity, it could indicate overexertion. Take a step back and allow yourself more time to heal.
Listen to Your Dentist: Follow any advice or instructions your dentist has given you regarding your recovery. They know your situation best and can provide guidance tailored to you.
For more information about wisdom teeth, go to our comprehensive guide on wisdom teeth removal in Perth.
Your Comfort, Our Priority: Join Us at Perth Wisdom Teeth Clinic for Gentle Care
At Perth Wisdom Teeth Clinic, your comfort and oral health are our top priorities. We offer gentle, expert care for wisdom teeth removal and more, ensuring a stress-free experience from start to finish. Our team is dedicated to providing personalised attention and state-of-the-art treatments in a welcoming environment. If you need dental care or have concerns about your wisdom teeth, we invite you to reach out to us by calling us at (08) 9474 5083. Let us help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile with the comfort and care you deserve.
