Wisdom teeth are the last to erupt from your gums. They usually appear in the late teen years to mid-twenties. The problem is that most of the time, they bump into the other teeth that are already there. The result is an impacted wisdom tooth and this results in a very painful time for you. You will need to have them removed and here are the facts that you need to know about the process.
It Takes An Expert
You might think that you can drop by your dentist and have the tooth extracted in no time. The problem is because of its position and its size, you will need an expert to do the removal. You will need to look for an experienced oral surgeon in Salt Lake City or other urban areas to do the job. The procedure itself can happen in a dental clinic or at a hospital.
The procedure itself is complex. After the application of anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision to reveal the tooth and bone around it. The tooth is then removed slowly from the roots, which may require the removal of some to reach it. When this is done, stitching may be necessary. At the very least, the dentist places gauze over the area to encourage clotting.
Always Bring Someone
Though the procedure is quick and you can go home within the day, it is always a good idea to have someone along. The reason for this is the anesthesia you will be receiving. Depending on how many wisdom teeth need removal, you might receive local and general anesthesia. Going home alone will be difficult after that. Since it is better to recover from the surgery at home, have someone drive and assist you to your bed so that you can properly recover.
Expect Some Discomfort After
Even after you go home, you can still expect some pain as you heal from the extraction. Your doctor might prescribe some painkillers to help with that. There are also other things you have to be aware of so that you don’t worry. For one, your face will experience some swelling. You can expect your face to be puffy for several days up to a week. You might need to keep your head raised and use some cold compresses to keep the swelling down. You will also be on a limited diet. For the first day, you will be only on liquids. After that, soft foods only for the next few days. Avoid foods that require chewing, as well as alcohol and smoking.
Watch Out For Complications
Like any other surgery, there is always a chance that complications happen. For example, if the pain does not seem to go away, then the blood clot may not have formed properly. Consult with your doctor immediately. Other warning signs are fever and difficulty swallowing or breathing. For any complications, call your doctor right away.
Wisdom tooth removal can be a painful experience. But leaving an impacted wisdom tooth in your jaw can have serious consequences. If left alone, complications can result in damage to nearby teeth and more. It is better to deal with short-term pain now than to deal with worse problems in the future.