Most of us have wisdom teeth. Also known as your third molars, these teeth are located at the very back of your mouth on both the top and bottom rows of your smile. Just like your other teeth, wisdom teeth emerge when we grow up, though much later usually when we’re in our teenage years; as a result, they’re typically extracted between the ages of 17 and 25.
If you’re needing to undergo wisdom teeth extractions in SE Calgary, or if you’re simply interested in gathering more information about this procedure, we encourage you to contact our local dental clinic today. Our staff is here to assist you however we can.
The Steps of Wisdom Tooth Extraction
A tooth extraction surgery is a standardized process that can be done in one appointment. Several steps are involved in this process, and they are broken down below for your convenience.
Step 1: Initial consultation.
Before you can receive any form of dental treatment, however major or minor, you’ll need to visit your dentist in Forest Lawn for an initial appointment. They will assess the health of your smile by taking x-rays and physically examining your teeth and gums. They will be able to identify if you’re eligible for wisdom tooth extraction.
Step 2: Preparation for surgery.
If you have been approved to have your wisdom teeth removed, your dentist near you will begin by preparing you for surgery. This includes giving your anesthesia to keep you comfortable while they work. Depending on your preferences and pain tolerance, you may be put to sleep completely or remain awake but woozy.
Step 3: Extraction.
Now it’s time for the actual extraction to take place. A cut is made into your gum tissues and any bacteria or bone debris is cleared away so your dentist can properly access your entire tooth. Forceps are employed to loosen the tooth in its socket before fully pulling it out.
The space is cleaned once more and then sealed with stitches. A square of gauze may be provided to help control any bleeding that occurs (which is completely normal).
Have questions or concerns? Let your dentist know so they can make sure that your treatment goes as smoothly as possible.
After Surgery
Even though dental surgery has certainly progressed over the last few decades, it’s important that you still look after your oral health following the procedure. Why? So that complications don’t arise and so you don’t need to come in for further treatment.
Here are some dos and don’ts following wisdom teeth extraction:
Do:
- Relax – As much as you may not want to, you need to allow your body to rest and recover both from the anesthesia and the actual treatment.
- Keep your head elevated – This helps reduce facial swelling and keeps your blood flowing.
- Use ice and gauze – Ice also reduces swelling. Keep it against your cheek for 15 minutes at a time. Gently biting down on gauze will staunch any bleeding.
- Maintain a clean mouth – Gurgling with mouthwash or saltwater is a good way to keep your mouth clean without irritating the surgical site.
- Eat soft foods for the first few days while your mouth recovers.
- Take medication for the pain – Your dentist will typically recommend Tylenol or Advil.
Don’t:
- Talk or eat after your procedure – Allow yourself some time to gather your bearings. Not to mention, your mouth will be sore so it’s best to just take things slow.
- Use a straw or spit – These actions can dislodge the blood clots that form in your socket and cause more significant bleeding and slow down healing.
- Eat solid, hard, or crunchy foods.
- Use aspirin – Stick with Advil or Tylenol. Aspirin thins your blood, which will also impact the formation of blood clots.
- Use ice after the first 48 hours – During this time is when you should switch to using heat (or swishing with warm water). It will also encourage healing and alleviate pain.
- Irritate the surgical site – In other words, don’t poke or prod your empty socket with your tongue or a toothbrush.
Are you interested in booking an appointment to receive wisdom teeth extractions near you? At Forest Heights Dental, we are here to aid you on your oral health journey. No issue is too big or too complex for our staff to handle; you deserve the best, most effective care, and we’re here to ensure that you receive it.
Call, email, or drop by our location in person to meet with a staff member and get started today.