Wisdom tooth extraction is one of the most common procedures performed in a dental clinic. While some people will have simple extractions to remove these extra teeth, the majority of patients will need surgery under general anesthesia. Before your appointment, it is best to know what to expect during and after the procedure.
For surgical Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Austin TX, the surgeon will administer anesthesia through an IV line. The patient will quickly fall asleep; however, their vitals will be monitored during the entire procedure. Using dental tools, including a scalpel, drill, and pliers, the oral surgeon will remove each wisdom tooth. They will be careful not to leave any root fragments behind. After the teeth are successfully extracted, the incision sites will be stitched shut with water soluble thread. The patient will wake up slowly. Since they will be very disoriented, it is important they have someone else drive them home.
Proper care at home after Wisdom Tooth Extraction in Austin TX is vital to a speedy recovery. The patient may experience discomfort, and most dentists prescribe pain medication. Eating solid foods may be difficult for a couple of days. It is recommended patients only consume soft food and liquids. The first few days after surgery, the patient is not allowed to spit or drink through a straw. This is because blood clots form over the extraction sites as part of the healing process. Spitting may dislodge these clots, revealing the jaw bone. This condition is known as a dry socket, and it is very painful. If a dry socket forms, the patient must revisit their dentist to have it packed with medical gauze. Swelling around the cheeks and neck is very common. Some patients even experience bruising. These side effects should resolve on their own after a week.
Most people will need to have their wisdom teeth removed at some point in their life. If the dentist feels the patient doesn’t have enough space in the mouth, they may recommend a surgical extraction before the teeth even erupt. The surgery is a routine procedure, and most patients recover after a week or two. Visit to see if wisdom tooth extraction is recommended for you.
