Published in February 2023. 

Everything You Need to Know About Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Removed

Removing your wisdom teeth is a big decision and, for many, a big source of anxiety. But the team at Sandhurst Family Dental Clinic makes it easier by providing excellent care and making sure you are properly informed about the whole process. So, here’s what to expect when getting your wisdom teeth removed at Sandhurst Family Dental Clinic.

First, your dentist will conduct an examination, including taking X-rays of your mouth and jaw to determine which teeth need removal and how difficult the procedure will likely be. This information can help them decide which type of anesthesia or sedation would be best for the procedure. Depending on your specific situation, they may opt for local anesthesia, sedation dentistry or general anesthesia.

Once you’ve discussed with your dentist what to expect during the surgery and signed off on any necessary forms, it’s time to prepare for the surgery. Your dentist will likely discuss preoperative instructions with you, such as refraining from eating after midnight before surgery and abstaining from smoking 48 hours before the procedure. They may also provide you with medication to reduce swelling afterwards.

During surgery, your dental team might create small incisions in your gums to remove large pieces of bone or impacted teeth more easily. In some cases, they may need to use surgical instruments like elevators or forceps to remove extra hard tissue. After removing all wisdom teeth (or only those that require removal), they will suture the wound using absorbable or nonabsorbable material, depending on its location in the mouth.

Afterwards, you should expect some discomfort but this should subside within a few days—though there may also be numbness around where the tooth extraction took place that can last up to several weeks following surgery. Your dentist will provide pain relievers if needed, as well as antibiotics and other medications per their recommendation so that you can recover quickly and safely after having your wisdom teeth removed!

Removing your wisdom teeth can be a rollercoaster ride for some patients and a breeze for others, but our responsibility is to make it as simple as possible.