Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth should be considered for extraction if they are causing pain, discomfort, swelling, infection, or if they are impacting adjacent teeth or interfering with your bite. It’s often recommended to have them evaluated in late adolescence or early adulthood. Although, the wisdom teeth can be left as is, if they are asymptomatic and healthy.

The procedure itself is not painful because you will be anesthetised. However, you may experience some discomfort and swelling in the days following the extraction. Your clinician will provide post operative management instructions and advice regarding potential medicaments to help you manage any pain and reduce risk of infection.

The recovery period typically lasts about a few days to a week. Avoid spitting or rinsing your mouth for 24 hours after the procedure in order for the initial stages of healing is not disrupted. Follow post-operative care instructions provided by your clinician to ensure a smooth recovery.

You’ll want to stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods for the first few days after the extraction. Nothing hot or warm should be ingested the day of procedure, cold or room temperature foods and drinks are recommended. Such as; Ice cream, yogurt, porridge, smoothies, and soup. Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy food that could irritate the surgical sites and affect initial healing. Its important to obtain from eating until the anaesthetic has worn of, to avoid biting your tongue, lip, and cheek without noticing.

Like any surgical procedure, there are risks, although they are relatively low. Risks include pain, bruising, damage to adjacent structures, swelling, infection, dry socket (loss of the blood clot in the socket), bleeding, nerve damage, opening between the sinus and mouth. The risks will vary depending on the tooth and case, your clinician will discuss these risks with you before the procedure.

The cost of wisdom tooth extraction can vary depending on factors like the complexity of the extraction. Dental insurance may cover all or a portion of the cost, so it’s essential to check with your insurance provider for specific details.

Most people can return to work or school the day after the extraction. However, you should follow your clinician’s advice regarding rest and recovery depending on the complexity of the extraction. If your job or activities are physically demanding, you may need more time off.

Signs of complications may include dry socket, excessive bleeding, retained roots, opening between the sinus and oral cavity, persistent swelling (longer than 3 days), infection, or numbness in the lips, tongue, or chin. If you experience any of these, contact your dental practice.