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Our Wisdom Teeth Removal Information Page is dedicated to providing you with comprehensive insights into the specialized procedure we offer. Explore in-depth guides and watch educational videos. We're committed to ensuring you're well-informed and confident when choosing us for your wisdom teeth extraction needs.
From Fear to Relief: Insights on the Pain of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Understanding Wisdom Teeth
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
So, here's the scoop on those sneaky troublemakers known as wisdom teeth. These molars usually crash the party somewhere between your late teens and mid-twenties. People say you're supposed to get wiser at this age, which kinda explains the name. Aristotle talked about these molars way back when dinosaurs roamed—okay, not that far back, but a solid 2500 years ago.
Why Wisdom Teeth Need Removal
Wisdom teeth have been guilty of causing all sorts of dental drama. Not enough room in your mouth? They wedge themselves in anyway, causing pain, infection, or making your other teeth play bumper cars. Fun times. Back in the day, humans had big ol' jaws to munch on tough plants, but now our diets are all soft and our jaws are, well, downsized. This leaves wisdom teeth out in the cold, struggling to fit in.
| Why They Gotta Go | What's Up With That |
|---|---|
| Crowded Mouth | Not enough space, so they cause discomfort and clash with others. |
| Funky Angles | Growing sideways like a rebellious teen—affecting your lovely smile. |
| Pain and Infection | Lack of room means they snag bacteria, leading to nasty infections. |
| Tooth Decay | They're tough to clean, becoming the perfect hideout for food debris. |
| Neighboring Tooth Damage | Pushing against your other teeth, creating a domino effect of destruction. |
Curious to know more detail on why kicking them out is a smart move? Dive into our complete article on why wisdom teeth removal is necessary. Feeling a bit of tooth drama yourself? Check out the signs you need wisdom teeth removed.
Getting your head around these pesky teeth might lessen the jitters about going under the knife. Need more intel on how to prep for the big day? You'll find it in our guide to what to expect before wisdom teeth removal surgery.
Process of Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Out
Numbing Out and Taking It Easy
Saying goodbye to those pesky wisdom teeth needs more than a brave heart. It's about giving yourself a comfy ride through the process. At Dr. Wisdom Teeth, they roll out comfy seats with IV sedation for an experience you’ll barely remember, making the bounce-back a breeze (Dr. Wisdom Teeth). What type of knock-out juice you get depends on how tricky things look and how much you’re sweating about it.
Here’s the typical stuff they might use to keep you chill:
- Local Numbing: A little poke in your gums keeps only that little spot zonked out.
- IV Sedation: A drip in the arm makes everything fuzzy so you’re half-asleep.
- Big Sleep (General Anesthesia): Whether through a tube or a little sleepy-breathing gas, you’re out like a light.
Picking which sleep-aid fits depends on your jitters level and how complicated things are inside your mouth.
| Knock-Out Method | How It Works | Thumbs-Up | Watch Out! |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Numbing | Numbs just the trouble zone | You're fully there, fewer side effects | Might keep jittering |
| IV Sedation | Half-asleep via drip | Cozy, forgets the whole shebang | Needs a careful watch, might feel groggy |
| Big Sleep | Totally out during it all | Zero recollection | A bit risky, slow wake-up |
Check this out for getting ready tips: how to prepare for wisdom teeth removal surgery.
How They Actually Yank Those Teeth
When it’s time for those wisdom teeth to hit the road, a dentist or sometimes a pro tooth yanker, better known as an oral surgeon, does the honors. Following a little playbook to make sure things go smooth with minimum fuss, here’s the game plan (Dr. Wisdom Teeth):
- Geared Up: Clean mouth, and start the sleepy stuff.
- Cut Open: Tiny slices in the gums to peek at the tooth and bone.
- Breakin’ Bones: If in the way, a bit of bone gets nipped away.
- Breaking It Down: Sometimes the tooth needs splitting into bits for an easy exit.
- Snagged: Gently pulling out the stubborn tooth.
- Sprucing Up: Site gets a clean, no leftovers allowed.
- Sew It Up: Stitches lock things back into place for healing.
- Plug It: Pop some gauze on top to stop the drip and help seal it up.
| What Happens | The Lowdown |
|---|---|
| Geared Up | Freshen up and bring on the sedative magic |
| Cut Open | Little tidy cuts in the gums |
| Breakin’ Bones | Getting rid of bone blocking the tooth's reveal |
| Breaking It Down | Tooth sliced into bite-size chunks |
| Snagged | Tugging out the tooth |
| Sprucing Up | Clean sweep of the empty spot |
| Sew It Up | Seal up cuts for mending |
| Plug It | Stack on some gauze to halt bleeding |
Afterward, they'll hand you the guidebook on how to bounce back smoothly. For the 4-1-1 on post-surgery care: does wisdom teeth removal hurt.
Getting the skinny on the whole pulling process can ease those jitters and set you up to know what's gonna go down when those wisdom teeth gotta go. Need to read the signs your wisdom teeth are saying it's time? Peek at signs you need wisdom teeth removed.
Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Post-Operative Instructions
So, they finally took out those wisdom teeth, and now you're wondering how to survive the aftermath. Fear not! Follow these simple tips, and you'll be on your feet in no time. Usually, healing takes about a week. Stick to the advice below to ease your woes and dodge any hiccups.
- Rest and Activity: Take it easy on the first day—channel your inner couch potato. Slowly get back to your usual gig as you start feeling better.
- Pain Management: Keep that pain in check with prescribed meds. Ibuprofen is like a trusty sidekick. It's always there when you need it.
- Ice Packs: Cold on the cheeks does wonders—use ice packs for the first couple of days to keep your chipmunk cheeks at bay. If a pro like Dr. Wisdom Teeth recommends it, you know it's good advice!
- Diet: Think about soft, mushy foods: mashed potatoes, yogurt, or applesauce. Slowly work your way back to crunchy treats once your mouth gives the green light.
- Oral Hygiene: After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm saltwater, but don't go overboard with the swishing. Brush carefully, steering clear of the trouble spots.
- Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Just say no to smoking and booze for a couple of days. Healing will thank you.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Check-in with your dentist afterward—because we're all about staying on top of that recovery game.
Managing Swelling and Discomfort
Feeling puffy after the dentist's visit? No worries—here’s how you can ease that ache and swelling to make the healing smoother and more bearable.
Swelling
The peak of puffiness hits around days two and three. To handle it—
- Ice Packs: Use those trusty ice packs on your cheeks, 15-20 minutes at a pop, for the first couple of days. Keeps that swelling in check.
- Elevation: Keep your noggin up even when catching Zs. It helps with de-puffing.
Discomfort
As for managing the pain—
- Pain Medication: Stay a step ahead with your pain meds. Remember, ibuprofen has your back.
- Dry Socket Prevention: Steer clear from using straws or puffing away on cigarettes—your friendly neighborhood blood clot wants to stay in place and keep pain away. Dry sockets? Not fun and could mean more dentist visits (Dr. Wisdom Teeth).
- Hydration: Drink up fluids but skip the fizzy or spiked ones. Water is your friend.
- Soft Foods: Stick with gentle eats like smoothies or mashed goodies to avoid irritating tender spots.
| Symptoms | Management |
|---|---|
| Swelling | Ice packs, head propped up |
| Discomfort | Pain meds, no straws, hydrate often |
| Dry Socket | No smoking, gentle rinsing |
Looking for more wisdom about your wisdom teeth? Swing by our page on how long does wisdom teeth removal take. This way, you'll breeze through recovery, leaving the pain and hassle in the dust!
Risks and Complications
Potential Issues After Surgery
Getting those pesky wisdom teeth yanked out can be a straightforward affair, but like any surgery, there's a grab bag of risks to consider. Thankfully, they're pretty rare if you follow the playbook and your doc dots their i's and crosses their t's. Here are some things that could pop up:
- Infections: Things might get a little wild at the extraction zone, bringing swelling, pain, and maybe even a fever party.
- Dry Socket: This one's a doozy. Picture the blood clot at the hole taking a vacay, leaving behind a bothersome ache you don't need. But don't panic—this troublemaker's easily wrangled with a quick trip to your dentist.
- Nerve Jitters: Sometimes nerves play hard to get, leaving you with a tingly face or lips. Most times they come back around; permanent nerve ghosting is a longshot.
- Sinus Shindigs: Yanking those upper wisdoms might mess with your sinuses—especially if they're neighbors.
- Jaw Lockdown: Your jaw might act like it's on break, giving you temporary trouble opening wide. It’s almost always just a phase.
Minimizing Risks and Complications
Wanna keep complications at bay? It's all about taking some smart steps, both on your part and that of your tooth-extracting pro:
- Obey Doctor's Orders: Follow the aftercare instructions your dental wizard spells out to the letter. It’s like a map to smooth healing. Check post-operative instructions for more details.
- Chill Out: Apply ice packs on and off for the first day to help with swelling. Think of it as pampering for your cheeks.
- Keep it Clean: Gently rinsing with salty water helps keep the germs at bay. Nobody wants an infection encore.
- No Puffing or Sipping: Cigarettes and straws are jerks that can mess with healing. Give them a timeout.
- Soft Grub Only: Keep it mushy with your menu to shield the healing zone. Your jaw will thank you.
- Drink Up: Stay hydrated, sans straws. It’s like a healing potion!
| Complication | Risk Level | Prevention Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Infection | Low | Brush up on hygiene, follow docs, antibiotics (if necessary) |
| Dry Socket | Moderate | Skip smokes and straws, and listen to aftercare instructions |
| Nerve Damage | Rare | Go for a surgeon who knows their stuff |
| Sinus Issues | Rare | Gentle extractions by pros who know how close they can go |
| Jaw Stiffness | Moderate | Apply warm compresses, and do some jaw stretches |
On top of all that, having a top-notch surgeon and talking through your worries before you commit can also help sidestep trouble. Want to get into the nitty-gritty of why pulling those wisdom teeth might be on your to-do list? Scope out our article on why wisdom teeth removal is necessary.
If you’re in your teens or just skating into adulthood, bring your folks into the convo for backup. If you're working, schedule some chill time post-surgery and line up some help during those tender days after. Taking control and squashing worries about wisdom teeth removal with knowledge can make all the difference to your peace of mind and oral game plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are wisdom teeth, and why do they need to be removed?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to erupt in the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. They often cause problems because there is insufficient space for them to fully emerge or they may grow in an improper position. This can lead to various issues like pain, infection, tooth decay, gum disease, and damage to adjacent teeth. Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure to address these concerns.
How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
If you are experiencing pain, swelling, infection, damage to neighboring teeth, or overcrowding, it is advisable to consult with a dental professional who can examine your mouth and take X-rays to determine the position and condition of your wisdom teeth. Based on their assessment, they can recommend the need for wisdom teeth removal. If you do not have a dentist, please call us and set up a FREE consultation and x-ray to determine a plan that is right for you.
Why are the third molars referred to as wisdom teeth?
According to the Oxford Dictionary, third molars are referred to as wisdom teeth because their common age of eruption is between 17 and 25. Aristotle explained it this way 2500 years ago!
"The last teeth to come in man are molars called ‘wisdom-teeth’, which come at the age of twenty years, in the case of both sexes. Cases have been known in women upwards of eighty years old where at the very close of life the wisdom-teeth have come up, causing great pain in their coming; and cases have been known of the like phenomenon in men too. This happens, when it does happen, in the case of people where the wisdom-teeth have not come up in early years."
— Aristotle, The History of Animals.
Why do we have third molars if we just remove them?
Third molars helped our human ancestors to grind plant tissue during a time when leafy greens were a more important part of our diet. It is thought that the skulls of our ancestors had larger jaws with more room to accommodate more teeth which helped them to chew foliage more efficiently. This was important because humans lack the ability to efficiently digest cellulose, an important part of plant cell walls. Since the advent of agriculture, almost 10,000 years ago, our diets have become softer and include a larger amount of sugar and high energy foods. These diets have resulted in smaller jaws and not enough room for the wisdom teeth. So when they begin to erupt, they are often painful or crooked and do not fit properly in the mouth. Their removal becomes mandatory for a healthy mouth.
What is the process for removing wisdom teeth?
The process for wisdom teeth removal involves a surgical procedure performed by a dentist or oral surgeon. It typically includes making an incision in the gum tissue, removing any bone that blocks access to the tooth, cutting the tooth into smaller pieces and then removing the pieces and suturing the incision. This procedure ensures the complete removal of the impacted or problematic wisdom tooth.
Does everyone have 4 wisdom teeth?
No, although 4 is the most common number (one in each corner of the mouth); some people have 1, 2 or 3 wisdom teeth and some people don’t have any at all! In rare cases people develop additional teeth in the area of the wisdom teeth call ‘para-molars’ and may have 5 or more!
Does wisdom teeth removal require anesthesia or sedation?
Wisdom teeth removal usually requires some form of anesthesia or sedation to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. Your dentist will discuss the options with you, which may include local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth or general anesthesia to render you unconscious during the surgery. We provide an IV sedation for each patient we see. This guarantees you maximum comfort, no memory of the procedure and a faster recovery.
How long does it take to recover from wisdom teeth removal?
The recovery period after wisdom teeth removal varies from person to person, but it generally takes about a week to fully recover. During this time, you may experience some swelling and discomfort. Following the post-operative instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon, such as taking prescribed pain medications and applying ice packs, can aid in a smoother recovery process.
What are the potential risks and complications of wisdom teeth removal?
Like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with wisdom teeth removal. These include infection, dry socket, nerve damage, sinus problems, and temporary or permanent jaw stiffness. However, these complications are relatively rare, and your dental professional will take necessary precautions to minimize the risks.
Can I eat normally after wisdom teeth removal?
Initially, you’ll need to stick to a soft or liquid diet for the first few days after the surgery to facilitate healing. As you progress in your recovery, you can gradually reintroduce solid foods into your diet. It’s important to avoid straws and hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that could irritate the extraction sites. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide specific dietary guidelines to follow.
Are there any specific instructions or precautions I should follow before and after the procedure?
Prior to wisdom teeth removal, your dental professional will provide you with detailed instructions tailored to your specific situation. These instructions include: fasting 5-6 hours before the surgery, avoid smoking or using a straw post-surgery, take regularly prescribed medications, apply ice packs, maintain proper oral hygiene, and call us if you encounter any problems on our 24/7 after care nurse line. Adhering to these instructions is crucial for a successful recovery.
Will I experience pain during or after the removal?
The procedure itself is usually painless due to anesthesia or sedation. However, it is common to experience some discomfort and swelling after the surgery. Your dentist may prescribe pain medications to manage any post-operative pain. Additionally, using home remedies such as applying ice packs and rinsing with warm saltwater can help alleviate discomfort during the recovery period.
What are the alternatives to wisdom teeth removal?
In certain cases where the wisdom teeth are fully erupted, positioned correctly, and not causing any problems, they may not need to be removed. Regular monitoring and good oral hygiene practices are essential to ensure they do not cause complications in the future. However, if extraction is recommended, it is typically the most effective solution to prevent potential issues associated with impacted or problematic wisdom teeth.
What does it mean that a wisdom tooth is ‘impacted’?
Your dentist will classify a tooth by the degree to which it has been able to grow out of your jaw bone. If a tooth remains trapped in the bone, usually by a lack of space or close proximity to other teeth, the tooth is considered to be ‘impacted’. If your wisdom teeth are impacted and need to be removed, you will experience some degree of swelling around the lower wisdom teeth. Sometimes patient’s refer to this as the “chipmunk effect” because after surgery you look like you are packing nuts in your cheeks like a chipmunk!
When is the best time to remove the wisdom teeth?
This is always a hard question to answer, simply because we can’t see into the future. However, if an X-ray indicates that there is inadequate room for the wisdom teeth to develop then a few criteria may indicate the ideal time to remove the wisdom teeth. Your doctor will help you decide when the time is right - They are best removed before the roots have fully developed. Ideally, when root development is between 25% and 50%. Undeveloped roots increase the chances that your surgery will be successful and you will not suffer any long term negative effects.- If possible, allowing the tooth to erupt as much as possible before it gets ‘stuck’ is also favorable. The closer the tooth gets to erupting, the simpler the surgery to remove it will be.- Age is a consideration and patients in their late teens are ideal candidates for removal. However, in some instances patients as young as 10 years old or as old as 90 may require wisdom tooth removal.- Oftentimes patients will remove the wisdom teeth to prepare for braces at the request of their Orthodontist.- …And, if your wisdom teeth are hurting…this is a great time to remove them!
What could happen if I don’t remove my wisdom teeth when my doctor recommends that I do?
If you wait until your adult years to remove your wisdom teeth several things become more complicated about your surgery.- First, at some point in your late-late teens or early twenties, your lower wisdom teeth will grow root tips and finish developing. Once this happens, the risk of the root tips interfering with the nerve in your mandible raises the risk of temporary or permanent numbness in your lower lip and chin.- The older you become, generally the more dense your bone becomes. Increased bone density will increase the difficulty of removing the wisdom teeth and could cause additional swelling and healing time.- Younger patients heal faster and with less complications overall than older patients. Younger patients generally experience less dry socket, pain and swelling than older patients.
What is a dry socket?
A dry socket (local alveolar osteitis) occurs when the blood clot is lost from the hole left in the jaw after a wisdom tooth is extracted. It generally results in a dull, uncomfortable ache. It is easily treated in the office where you had your wisdom teeth removed.
What can be done to prevent a dry socket?
We see very few dry sockets in our practice! We are excited to provide you with a state of the art procedure called Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) to reduce your chances of dry socket from 1 in 10 to 1 in 100! We offer this procedure at no charge to you! After placing your IV, we will draw a small amount of blood. That blood will be put into a centrifuge and spun very fast until it separates into distinct layers. One of the layers, the Platelet Rich layer contains numerous white blood cells, neutrophils and other key components of healing. This portion of your blood will be put back into the socket to stimulate bone growth and healing, reduce pain and inflammation and dramatically reduce your chance of dry socket. Dr. Hendrickson believes PRF is so beneficial that he provides this service to all of his patients at no cost. Thanks to PRF treatment we see a very small number of dry socket.
Where are you located?
We have 2 locations. Our Provo & Murray offices are located...
Provo Location:
2230 N University Pkwy #8A
Provo, Utah
84604
(801) 370-0050
Murray Location:
5888 S 900 E #101
Murray, UT
84121
(801) 370-0050
What are your hours?
We are open Monday - Friday 8:00 am -5:00 pm MST.
Surgeries are scheduled on Thursdays (Provo) and Fridays (Murray).
Provo Location:
2230 N University Pkwy #8A
Provo, Utah
84604
(801) 370-0050
Murray Location:
5888 S 900 E #101
Murray, UT
84121
(801) 370-0050
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