Wisdom Tooth Extraction: How Does It Work and Why Should You Get It?

Every single year, 5 million people in the United States get their wisdom teeth removed. While these procedures aren’t always necessary, wisdom teeth can cause significant damage to the rest of your mouth when they are not removed.

Do you want to learn more about the wisdom tooth extraction process and why you should get yours removed? Keep reading to learn more about how it works and the benefits of getting your wisdom teeth removed. 

The Wisdom Tooth Removal Process

The wisdom tooth removal process is quite simple and will typically take about half an hour. Here is what you can expect before your procedure, during your wisdom teeth removal, and after your procedure. 

Before Your Wisdom Tooth Extraction

First, you will need to get a consultation with your oral surgeon or dentist. This can help you determine how many wisdom teeth you have in your mouth, whether they are impacted, and if there will be any complications with your wisdom teeth removal. 

You can also ask your oral surgeon if they accept your dental insurance, as these surgeries can be expensive. 

Next, you will need to prepare for the surgery. These are outpatient procedures, meaning you will be going home after your procedure is complete.

Make sure you have someone who is able to drive you home and ask your oral surgeon how long you should avoid eating and drinking before your wisdom tooth extraction. 

During Your Procedure

During your procedure, you will be given a form of anesthesia. This will be determined by your surgeon. Some people will only require local anesthesia at the site of their wisdom teeth so you do not feel any pain. This means that you will be awake during your procedure. 

However, some people are given sedation anesthesia or general anesthesia which will keep you asleep during your procedure. 

After you are given anesthesia, your oral surgeon will make an incision to expose any impacted wisdom teeth. Then, they will remove any bone that blocks their access to the roots of your wisdom teeth. 

Next, your oral surgeon will split the tooth into sections to make them easier to remove. After they remove your wisdom teeth, they will clean up the space where your wisdom teeth were, stitch the wound closed, and will use gauze to help control the bleeding. 

After Your Procedure

After your procedure, you will receive instructions from your oral surgeon to help your recovery. They will tell you how you can change your gauze and protect the blood clot at your wisdom tooth site. 

They will also likely provide you a prescription to help you with pain management. Otherwise, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs to help lessen the swelling. 

Finally, you will need to give yourself plenty of time to rest. You want to avoid any strenuous activities, food, and drink that could damage your stitches or dislodge your blood clot. 

Typically, you will only be able to eat soft foods that do not require chewing for at least a day or two. You also want to avoid any drinks that are alcoholic, carbonated, or caffeinated.

It is vital that you do not use a straw to drink, as the suction can remove your blood clot and cause damage to your extraction site. 

By following your dentist’s instructions on how to keep your mouth clean, you can protect your mouth until it is completely healed. 

Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Removal

Some people have a big enough palate that they do not need to get their wisdom teeth removed. However, most people will eventually have to get their wisdom teeth extracted. Here are some of the benefits of wisdom teeth removal. 

1. Prevents Damage to Other Teeth

One of the main reasons why people need to get their wisdom teeth removed is that it prevents damage to their other teeth. First, leaving your wisdom teeth may crowd your other teeth and cause them to shift. 

This can create a misaligned jaw and can cause damage to the adjacent molars in your mouth. 

Wisdom teeth can also be difficult to keep clean, especially if they are impacted wisdom teeth. If they are not kept clean, they can cause tooth decay on your other teeth and may even weaken the roots of your nearby teeth. 

2. Relieves Pain

Next, wisdom teeth removal can help relieve pain. When your wisdom teeth are erupting through your gums, it can cause gum inflammation and can be quite painful. 

Removing your wisdom teeth will help alleviate pressure in your mouth and will make your gums less sensitive. 

3. Prevents Oral Disease

If you do not get your wisdom teeth removed, it can lead to oral diseases, like cavities and gum disease. When you have impacted wisdom teeth that haven’t completely broken through your gums, it is easy to get bacteria trapped which can cause infections. 

To prevent oral disease and problems with your oral health, you can get your wisdom teeth removed. 

4. Reduces Risk of Jaw Damage

Finally, wisdom teeth removal can help prevent jaw damage. As mentioned before, impacted wisdom teeth can cause infections. When these are left untreated, it can lead to bone loss in your jaw, TMJ, and more. 

Get Help With Wisdom Tooth Extraction Today

While wisdom tooth removal is not necessary for everyone, there are many benefits that come from getting these teeth removed. By learning more about the wisdom teeth extraction process, you can better prepare for your oral surgery and know what to expect!

Are you looking for an oral surgery center to help with your wisdom tooth extraction? The Santa Monica Center for Oral Surgery and Dental Implants can help! We offer services to help prevent crowded teeth and oral disease, and we offer corrective surgery to improve your oral health. 

Contact our team today to learn more about our services or book your exam today!