While hearing a dentist talk about removing your teeth, it’s understandable to start feeling nervous. Fortunately, wisdom tooth removal is an extremely common procedure. In fact, this outpatient procedure is performed on nearly 5 million people throughout the United States annually. However, it makes sense to want to know what happens during this procedure. With that in mind, here is what to expect from a wisdom tooth removal procedure.

Why Wisdom Teeth Are Removed

In most cases, there’s only enough room in the human mouth for 28 teeth to fit comfortably. Those with their wisdom teeth have 32 teeth in their mouths. This creates a wide range of potential dental problems.

For instance, you might need your wisdom teeth removed if they’re impacted. If wisdom teeth become impacted, they can become lodged in your gums or jaw. Needless to say, this can cause you to feel severe pain. Another painful situation occurs when your wisdom teeth grow in at odd angles. As this happens, wisdom teeth often push against your other teeth. If left untreated, this can lead to painful situations.

Preparing for Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth are often hard to clean with a toothbrush or dental floss. Therefore, it’s often easier to remove these teeth than dealing with having them decay. Considering that, it’s important to understand what needs to happen before this takes place. First, you’ll need to visit the dentist. In turn, the dentist will have a closer look at your wisdom teeth.

After this happens, you’ll be scheduled for surgery. In certain situations, dentists will be able to perform wisdom tooth removal. Other dentists might need to refer you out to an oral surgeon. Regardless of which option takes place, it’s important to begin planning. You’ll need to have someone drive you to your wisdom tooth removal appointment. In addition, you’ll want to contact your workplace or school in order to schedule time off while you recover.

Before your wisdom teeth are removed, you’ll receive multiple types of anesthesia. You’ll receive a shot that numbs the mouth, this is typical during most dental procedures. In addition, you’ll also receive a type of sedation. This is typically administered through an IV. It’s understandable to feel nervous about receiving heavy sedation. Fortunately, most wisdom tooth removal procedures don’t last more than a few minutes.

Caring for Yourself at Home

Immediately after having your wisdom teeth removed, you aren’t going to feel any pain. That being said, you’re probably going to be experiencing a fair amount of bleeding. Fortunately, you should receive a fair amount of gauze and tissues in order to keep yourself clean. After receiving multiple types of anesthesia, you’re probably going to feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, it’s recommended to have someone drive you back home after your procedure is complete.

Next, you’ll focus on adequately recovering at home. The typical recovery process lasts a week or two. During this time, it’s advisable to avoid foods that require a lot of chewing. Many recovering from wisdom teeth removal prefer to eat soups, yogurts, and puddings.

You’ll also be required to regularly irrigate your gums. In addition, dentists advise that their patients refrain from smoking while in recovery. This helps to ensure they remain clean while avoiding the possibility of dry socket. You’ll find that this condition causes pain and often leads to your sockets becoming infected. Needless to say, anything that could increase your risk of dry socket needs to be avoided at all costs.

In closing, it’s understandable to feel nervous about having your wisdom teeth removed. Fortunately, this procedure is extremely common. While it might seem daunting, numbing solutions and anesthesia help ensure you don’t feel a thing. After your initial removal procedure, you’ll need to attend follow up appointments. These appointments allow dentists to ensure their patients are healing properly.