How Long Does It Take to Recover from Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery?

Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to erupt in humans, between the ages of 17 and 21. They are the third molars and sit at the back of your mouth. In most people, wisdom teeth can cause many dental issues and as a result, are often extracted. Despite being a very common surgical procedure, wisdom teeth extraction is often feared by patients, and one of the main reasons for this is the recovery process. In this article, you will learn what to expect after wisdom teeth extraction in Livonia.

Reasons why wisdom teeth are extracted

The main reason why wisdom teeth need to be extracted is when they are imp
acted, which means that there isn't enough space in the jaw for them to erupt. This can lead to a compromise in the alignment of your teeth. Sometimes, wisdom teeth erupt partially, but some parts of the tooth are still covered by gum tissue. This results in food becoming lodged in this flap of tissue, leading to infection. Finally, even if wisdom teeth erupt normally, they can still pose a threat to your oral health since they are harder to reach when brushing and flossing your teeth. Hence, they are more prone to tooth decay.

What to expect on the day of the surgery

Before your surgery, you should go over some details with your dentist in Livonia. First of all, you should decide what type of anesthesia they will use. Three types of anesthesia can be used during this procedure. Local anesthesia numbs the site of the extraction so that you don't feel any pain during the procedure. You may, however, feel pressure and movement. On the other hand, dentists sometimes use sedation anesthesia on patients who suffer from anxiety or phobias. An intravenous drug is administered to suppress your consciousness and ensure that you don't feel any pain or have any recollection of the procedure. Finally, in complex cases, general anesthesia can be administered. However, this requires close monitoring of your vital signs by other specialists.

After administering the anesthesia, your dentist will make an incision in your gums to expose the jawbone and the wisdom tooth. It may be necessary for them to remove some bone tissue if it is blocking the tooth's root. Ultimately, the wisdom tooth is extracted, the surgical wound is cleaned up and the wound is sutured.

What happens immediately after the procedure?

If your dentist administers sedation or general anesthesia, you may feel a little drowsy. Therefore, you won't be able to drive so it's best to ask a family member or friend to pick you up from the dental clinic after the surgery and take you home. It is normal to experience some pain and swelling as the effect of the anesthesia wears off. Your dentist will prescribe some medication to treat these symptoms. You may also experience some bleeding on the first day of recovery. It is important to avoid spitting because this can lead to complications. Instead, rinse your mouth with salt water and just tip your mouth over the sink to let the water out.

Recovery

Normally, patients completely recover after 3 to 4 days. However, more complex cases may take up to a week. General recommendations include eating soft foods like applesauce, cottage cheese, and ice cream, and avoiding smoking and drinking from straws. Your dentist will also recommend avoiding exercise for a couple of days. It is important to go to a dentist office near you if you experience severe swelling or pain, as well as bleeding that won't stop or a fever since these are signs of complications and require immediate care.