Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars that typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties. They are a common milestone in dental development; however, not everyone will have wisdom teeth, and these teeth can often present complications for those who do.
Up to 37% of people are missing one or more of their wisdom teeth. Yet, despite this, around 10 million wisdom teeth are extracted, or removed, each year. Knowing that you’ll need to get your wisdom teeth removed can be a source of anxiety, but understanding the process and what to expect during surgery can ease concerns and ensure a smoother recovery.
Continue reading to learn more about wisdom teeth extraction, how you can prepare, and where to find the best wisdom teeth dentist in San Jose.
Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to be Removed?
A question we often get asked is, “Why do I need my wisdom teeth removed?” Wisdom teeth often need to be removed due to a lack of space in the mouth, leading to crowding and misalignment of the other teeth. If you have severe crowding and are getting ready for orthodontic or other cosmetic dentistry procedures, getting your wisdom teeth removed first can help improve your results.
They can also become impacted, causing pain, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth. Additionally, wisdom teeth can be challenging to clean, which can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
If you’re wondering if having your wisdom teeth removed is a good idea, consider the following signs of trouble that can be cured or prevented with wisdom teeth removal surgery:
- Having one or more wisdom teeth trapped in your gums — known as an impacted wisdom tooth
- Wisdom teeth that are crooked or sideways
- You have swollen or bleeding gums around your molars — a sign of gum disease
- Wisdom teeth pain, jaw pain, or gum pain around where your wisdom teeth are — especially when chewing food
- It’s difficult to clean food particles around your wisdom teeth
- You have tooth decay, also known as cavities, in your wisdom teeth
- You develop an infection or fluid-filled sac, known as a cyst, around one or more of your wisdom teeth
Having your wisdom teeth removed can help cure or prevent these dental problems, as well as maintain good oral health in the future.
What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery?
During wisdom teeth removal surgery, either local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia is used to ensure comfort and minimize pain. Once you are completely numb, an incision is made in the gum tissue to access the wisdom tooth. Sometimes a wisdom tooth is removed in one piece, and other times the tooth must be divided into pieces during extraction.
Once the tooth is extracted, the incision is thoroughly cleaned — removing any debris or infected tissue if there is any. The gum is then stitched closed to promote fast healing. The entire procedure usually takes about 45 minutes, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the case. After the surgery, post-operative care instructions will outline how to care for your surgical site and how to take any necessary pain management medication to aid with recovery.
How Long Will I Need to Recover From Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Like other dental procedures, recovery from wisdom teeth extraction can vary from person to person — but typically it takes a week or two. In the first few days, you may experience some swelling, discomfort, and mild bleeding at the extraction site.
During this time, it's important to follow your post-operative care instructions, which may include instructions like:
- Use ice packs to reduce swelling
- Take prescribed pain medication on schedule to reduce the amount of pain you feel
- Stick to a soft-food diet to prevent unnecessary pain and irritation to your incision
- Avoid strenuous activities that may overexert your body as it tries to heal
- Avoid smoking during your recovery period as this can slow your healing time
- Avoid sucking motions, such as drinking from a straw, which can cause a dental condition known as dry socket
Most people can resume normal activities within a week or so after the procedure. However, full healing of the extraction site may take a bit longer. If you experience prolonged or severe pain, excessive bleeding, or any other concerning symptoms, it's important to contact your surgeon for further guidance.
How Should I Prepare for Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery?
There are several things you should consider when you are preparing for wisdom teeth surgery:
- Discuss sedation and anesthesia options with your oral surgeon to understand what will be used during the procedure and address any concerns you may have.
- Plan for several days of rest by shopping for and preparing soft foods and meals that will be gentle on your mouth after the surgery.
- Pick up any prescribed medications beforehand to make them readily available for recovery.
- Clear your schedule from responsibilities for at least a few days to a week, to allow yourself the necessary time to focus on recovery without added stress.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home from the surgery, as you cannot drive immediately afterward.
- Take the time to review your specific pre-operative and post-operative instructions — including guidelines for managing pain, caring for the surgical site and dietary restrictions.
Preparing yourself for surgery will help alleviate some of your anxiety before the surgery and ensure that you have the smoothest recovery possible after surgery.
Where to Find the Best Dentist for Wisdom Teeth Extraction in San Jose
Getting your wisdom teeth removed can be a complex surgery, so it's important to have a highly experienced dentist with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle potential complications.
At Ghadiri Comprehensive Dentistry, Dr. Amir Ghadiri and Dr. Ayeh Ghadiri lead a team of dental professionals committed to providing high-quality, pain-free comprehensive dentistry for the entire family — including wisdom teeth extractions. With over 25 years of experience, Ghadiri Denstiry is one of the most trustworthy and experienced dentists in the San Jose Area.
Ready to schedule wisdom teeth removal surgery in San Jose?
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