What to Expect for Wisdom Teeth Removal
For those who have never had any teeth extracted, it is normal to have some trepidation about wisdom teeth removal. One way to feel more confident is to know a little bit more about what the process entails.
Preparing for the Procedure
We will always recommend coming in for a consultation, which allows Dr. Streelman to perform a physical assessment and also take some images of your teeth. Additionally, Dr. Streelman may point out any other oral health concerns that you need to have addressed. Finally, he will walk you through the remaining steps in the process and answer any questions you may have.
Anesthesia Options
To ensure your comfort throughout the process, anesthesia options are available. We will recommend a particular sedation option based on your health, preference, and the nature of your procedure.
IV Sedation
For patients who are having a number of impacted wisdom teeth removed or who simply do not wish to be alert during the process, IV sedation may be the best option. Dr. Streelman administers IV sedation in-house to our patients as a way to have your wisdom teeth removed with minimal discomfort.
Local Anesthesia
For patients who are having simpler, more straightforward extractions, local anesthesia may be sufficient for mitigating pain. An added bonus of this is that it can be administered a bit more quickly and without any feelings of grogginess after the procedure. We are pleased to offer localized anesthesia options to our patients.
During the Procedure
Typically, wisdom teeth removal involves an incision along the gums, permitting full access to the underlying tooth and root. In some cases, there may be bone blocking the tooth, in which case that bone will need to be removed. Sometimes wisdom teeth can be removed whole, but in other instances, they may need to be cut into smaller segments and then removed one piece at a time.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
The timeline for your wisdom teeth removal can vary, but in most cases, the process will last under an hour. In fact, if you have a wisdom tooth that has erupted fully, it can usually be taken out in just a few minutes, while removing an impacted wisdom tooth will usually take a little bit longer. As a board-certified oral surgeon prioritizing patient safety and comfort, Dr. Streelman works to make the procedure as gentle for the patient as possible, regardless of how long the procedure takes.
Does Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Taken Out Hurt?
Patients naturally want to know how much pain they can expect during their procedure. We strive to keep our patients as comfortable as possible, and thanks to the sedation options we offer, you should experience little or no pain during the process itself. Following your procedure, you may experience some soreness, which can usually be mediated with over the counter or prescription pain remedies.
Immediately After the Procedure
Once your wisdom teeth have been successfully removed, you will have gauze bandages to cover the incision sites. You can also anticipate a little bit of bleeding, swelling, and tenderness, especially as the sedation begins wearing off. Your surgeon will fill you in on any aftercare instructions you need to follow once you get back home.
How Long are You Loopy After the Procedure?
Some patients are concerned about feeling “out of it” following their procedure. This may or may not occur, depending on the type of sedation we use. If your procedure is done with local anesthesia, you will have no grogginess. If you have IV sedation, you can expect to feel a little bit out of it for a few hours following the procedure.
Have a Ride Home
Because the effects of sedation can be a little bit difficult to predict, and because you may experience either loopiness or some mild discomfort following your surgery, we always advise patients to have a friend or loved one who can drive them home. Contact our practice if you have any additional questions about the post-operative experience.