Wondering what to expect during a wisdom teeth removal in Toronto? When your wisdom teeth are coming in or have been around for years, it’s time to consider wisdom teeth extraction. But not to worry! Wisdom teeth surgery is nothing to be scared of! Wisdom teeth removal is a rather simple and common procedure in dentistry. In fact, we’ve performed hundreds here at Ora Dental.
As either the second or final pair of adult teeth an individual develops, wisdom teeth usually come in during the late teenage years or early adulthood. One of the most common reasons for wisdom teeth removal is pain. But if you are not experiencing pain, it’s still imperative a dentist examine your teeth and jaw to determine the best course of action.
Wisdom teeth removal is a rather quick procedure, and recovery usually only takes 2-7 days; however, before you consider any kind of procedure or surgery, it’s important you are well-informed. We’re here to provide you a clear explanation of what wisdom teeth removal is like. Here are some things you should know:
Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
Before removing a wisdom tooth, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be extracted. A general anesthetic may be used, especially if several or all of your wisdom teeth will be removed simultaneously. The anesthetic will prevent you from feeling pain by causing you to sleep through the procedure. It is recommended that you don’t eat or drink after midnight on the night before surgery.
To remove the wisdom tooth, the gum tissue over the tooth will be carefully opened up over any bone that is covering the tooth that will be taken out. Next, the tissue connecting the tooth to the bone will be separated and then the tooth will be removed. If necessary, the tooth will be cut into smaller, more manageable pieces for removal.
After the tooth is removed, stitches may be required. Your dentists will inform you if your stitches are dissolvable or if you will have to follow up to have them removed. A folded cotton gauze pad will be placed to help stop the bleeding. These pads will need to be replaced throughout your healing process – all explained below.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Aftercare
Here are some tips that should be followed to best promote your post-surgery care:
KEEP YOUR HEAD ELEVATED
To reduce swelling, clotting, and more, your head must be kept above heart level. This practice must be kept for at least three days including during sleep.
NO SPITTING
Normal bleeding will occur post-surgery, but spitting out blood is not recommended as it increases the chances of developing a painful dry socket.
NO SUCKING
Using straws to consume beverages is not safe as it creates an opportunity for dry sockets to form through the sucking action. This also includes kissing, whistling, and blowing.
NO SMOKING
Smoke will slow down your healing process and the process of smoking will break the ‘no sucking’ rule.
USE ICE
To prevent swelling and reduce pain, applying ice on the cheek is helpful can be a very helpful way to prevent swelling. We highly recommend using icepacks that are specially designed for the face so that you can get the most of this treatment.
NO BRUSHING
Bet you never thought you’d hear a dentist say to not brush your teeth; however, brushing after extraction can do more harm than good. Refraining from teeth brushing can allow the wound to heal more effectively. Give it 1-2 days before you pick up the brush and paste.
STAY HYDRATED
Drink a lot of warm water to accelerate your recovery process.
AVOID SOLID FOOD
The process of chewing solid foods can put pressure on the site of extraction. Consume only liquid or semi-solid foods for the first 24 hours post-surgery. We recommended lukewarm smoothies, broths, and juice.
NO RINSING
Avoid rinsing until the fourth day following surgery. Warm salt water is best for this process.
AVOID PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Physical activity can lead to dry sockets. To avoid displacing the wound’s blood clot, avoid all physical activity – strenuous or not.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery Time
The better you follow the aftercare steps above, the less time it will take for you to completely recover from wisdom teeth removal surgery. Your recovery time also depends on the reasons why you had your wisdom teeth removed. In most cases, it can take 2-7 days for a wisdom tooth wound to heal. Of course, this is based on your adherence to your dentist or oral surgeon’s directions.
If complications like pus, fever, or overwhelming pain occur, please contact your dentist immediately.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Risks
Like all medical procedures, wisdom teeth extraction has its risks. Fortunately, the risks associated with tooth extraction are extremely rare. The safety of this procedure advances the more experienced a dentist is. Our dentists have performed thousands of successful extractions collectively – you’re in the best hands at Ora Dental.
Some of the risks associated with wisdom teeth removal include:
• Dry sockets. These develop as a result of the loss of a blood clot in the jawbone’s extraction site, painfully exposing a nerve.
• Possible infection. The wound can be infected by bacteria from food particles, but most bacterial infections can be easily treated with antibiotics.
• Surrounding damage. Surrounding structures like bone, soft tissue, nerves, or sinuses can become damaged during the procedure.
Where to Get Wisdom Teeth Removed in Toronto
Finding the right wisdom teeth removal dentist in Toronto is an important step to a successful procedure. The team at Ora Dental comes with many years of experience, care, skill and knowledge having performed hundreds of extractions. We will do everything we can to give you the most comfortable and safe wisdom teeth surgery experience possible. During a complete consultation, Dr. Jessica Tasios and her team can go into further detail about wisdom teeth extraction and whether or not this procedure is right for you or your child.
If you are experiencing discomfort from wisdom teeth, or if you are overdue for an exam, please contact our office online today by calling 647-691-6253 or fill out the form below. We look forward to hearing from you!