Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Removed? Here’s What You Need To Know

tooth extractionsEvery year, 5 million U.S. teenagers and young adults have their wisdom teeth removed. Although tooth extractions like these are common oral procedures, wisdom teeth extraction is still major oral surgery.

That said, it’s important that you get the recommended amount of rest after your surgery and that you follow the instructions of your oral surgeon to a T.

To help put you at ease for your surgery and to make sure you’re properly informed, here are a few things you need to know about getting your wisdom teeth removed.

You’ll need to bring someone with you

Whether you have your license or not, you’ll need to bring someone with you to your oral surgeon’s office on the day of your surgery. This is because you’ll be medicated during your surgery and it’ll take a little while for the effects to wear off.  Minors under the age of 18 are required to have a parent or guardian on the day of surgery.

You will receive general anesthetic via an IV catheter and be placed into a safe and relaxing sleep.  You’ll also receive a local anesthetic first to numb the area of the extractions.

Everyone reacts differently to anesthesia, so it’s recommended to have someone come with you to drive you home. The effects of the medication will wear off within a few hours after the procedure.

You’ll need to keep your head raised.

Rest is important after your wisdom teeth removal, but it’s also important to keep your head raised. This will help to reduce the swelling in your face because it keeps your fluids from going to your head.

After approximately 72 hours, the swelling will begin to subside. It also helps to apply a cold compress to the swollen area during the first 24 hours.

Resist the urge to brush your teeth

You’ll want to avoid brushing your teeth for the first day after your surgery. That includes rinsing and spitting, too. The pressure from your toothbrush can cause problems with your stitches.

If the feeling of your unbrushed teeth really bothers you, you can use a damp cloth and gently wipe your tongue and carefully around the inside of your mouth. You can also use gauze to absorb any blood from your surgery.

Do you need wisdom teeth removal or other tooth extractions?

Tooth extractions are a common practice, especially wisdom teeth removal. An estimated 10 million wisdom teeth are extracted every year, according to the American Public Health Association

If you need your wisdom teeth extracted and you’re looking for a consultation, East Mississippi Oral and Facial Surgery has the professional oral surgeons you need. To learn more about how we treat tooth pain, our wisdom teeth removal procedures, or our TMJ treatments, contact East Mississippi Oral and Facial Surgery today.