Wisdom teeth extraction is one of the most common oral surgery procedures that patients undergo. However, patients still may have questions about the process if they don’t have any prior experience with it. Here are some of the most common questions that we get about wisdom teeth extraction.
If my wisdom teeth aren’t bothering me, why do I need to have them extracted?
Impacted wisdom teeth have the potential to cause a number of issues – cysts, abscesses, infections and discomfort to name a few – even if they’re not immediately symptomatic. It’s impossible to predict when any one of these problems would emerge, so many patients choose to have an oral surgeon remove their wisdom teeth as a preventive measure.
Why do I need to have an oral surgeon remove my wisdom teeth instead of my general dentist?
When the wisdom teeth are impacted, they must be removed surgically because the bone surrounding them will need to be removed before the tooth can be extracted.
When should a patient have the wisdom teeth removed?
It is recommended that patients have their wisdom teeth removed by the time they turn 25 years old, because it is easier to remove the teeth in young adults, and they recover more quickly.
How can I prepare for wisdom teeth extraction?
Your surgeon will give you directions on how to prepare for the procedure. You may be asked to fast after midnight if you are getting sedation, and you will need to make arrangements for someone to escort you home after the appointment, as the sedative effects will not be fully reversed by the time you leave the office.
What steps can I take to prevent complications after my wisdom teeth are extracted?
Your surgeon will give you a list of instructions prior to your extraction. Follow those instructions closely to prevent issues like dry sockets and infection.
If you want more information on any of the questions listed above or have other questions that were not included in this list, feel free to call our office to speak to one of our knowledgeable staff members. You can also schedule a consultation to see if wisdom teeth extraction is recommended in your case.
