Between the ages of 17 and 25, the third set of molars erupt at the far end of the gums. They are called wisdom teeth, and in some instances, they need to be extracted. Sometimes because they are trapped in the jawbone, are erupting at the wrong angle, or there isn’t enough room to accommodate them.
If your dentist tells you that you need a wisdom teeth extraction, here is a summary of what to expect:
Before the Procedure
Before the extraction, the surgeon will ask you questions about your dental and general health. You need to provide information on which health problems you have and which medicines you take regularly? You also need to specify the type of anesthesia you want; you can choose to have your mouth numbed or to sleep during the procedure.
During the Procedure
An average wisdom tooth extraction procedure takes 45 to 60 minutes. Since you’ll be under anesthetic, you shouldn’t feel any pain. To extract the tooth, the doctor needs to cut into the gums. After removal, the area is stitched and packed with gauze. There may be some pain after the anesthesia wears off, but your doctor will prescribe some painkillers to help you manage it.
After the Procedure
It will take some weeks to heal, but barring any complications, the healing process should be uneventful. During recovery, try not to eat crunchy, hard, or sticky foods. If you need to rinse your mouth out, do it carefully. Don’t drink using a straw as it may loosen blood clots that are helping you heal. And most importantly, do not smoke.
If you are between 17 – 25 years old and have been feeling some pain at the far end of your jaw, there may be a problem with your wisdom teeth. Schedule a dental checkup immediately to know your next move.
For all your dental care needs in Texas, visit Pearland Family Dentistry in Houston. Call 832-649-7344 now to make an appointment.