Some people never develop wisdom teeth Melbourne; What they usually find is that they explode between the ages of 17 and 25. Even if it erupts, your dentist may flag your wisdom teeth for a variety of reasons, including infections i.e., teeth getting stuck in the jaw or gums), misalignment, tight spacing, and / or decay.
If your dentist suggests that you or your teen have had their wisdom teeth removed, there is no need to panic. While wisdom tooth removal is appropriate as a surgery, it is safely performed daily in offices across the country. Here’s what you need to know about this regular dental procedure.
Before extraction
Before surgery, you will see your oral surgeon and make postoperative plans. Before your wisdom teeth Melbourne are removed, your dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon. (In some cases, your dentist may be able to extract the wisdom tooth manually.)
No matter whether it will be processed by your regular dentist or oral surgeon, you will start with a pre-surgery appointment. During this appointment, the surgeon will ask you about your medical history, discuss your surgical procedure, and answer any questions you may have about the procedure.
You will also schedule and plan for your surgery appointment. Register a friend or family member to take you home by appointment and plan to take at least the rest of the day off. (Even better if you can take a few days off work when you are well.) In almost all cases, wisdom teeth removal is done as an outpatient procedure that is, you have to go home the same day. Should go when you have surgery.
During the extraction
During the surgery, you will be numb and you should not feel any pain. Once you arrive at the office for your surgery, a staff member will take you to the examination room and help you relax. They will take you through this process one more time and then take you to a state of anaesthesia. (During your pre-surgery appointment, you and your oral surgeon will discuss what type of anaesthesia you will receive.) Depending on your specific situation, you may receive any of the following types of anaesthesia:
- General anaesthesia, which will ensure that you are completely down during the whole procedure.
- Local anaesthesia, which involves numbing the gums with a shot of novocaine. Your oral surgeon may also give you nitrous oxide (aka laughing gas) to help you relax. In this case, you will still be awake during the process.
- Sedation anaesthesia, which combines IV sedation with local anaesthesia to help you relax. This mixture can also put you to sleep during the procedure.
Once you are all numb, the oral surgeon will remove your wisdom teeth. At this point, you may feel a slight pressure or pain (if you are awake), but you should not feel any pain. In some cases, your surgeon may need to cut your gums or jaw bone to remove your wisdom teeth. If this happens, they will probably put melting stitches to help heal. They can also heal wounds.
After extraction
After surgery, it is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions. After the surgeon removes your Wisdom Molar, they will let you rest until you wake up from the anaesthesia and / or are ready to get up. Then your driver can take you home.
Most people experience slight swelling or discomfort in the first few days after surgery, and it usually takes a few weeks for them to fully recover. The speed at which your mouth heals has a profound effect on how closely you follow your surgeon’s post-surgery guidelines, so do your best to follow these rules. Here are some important guidelines to keep in mind after surgery:
- Plan to take it easily for the rest of the day after your surgery. Also, avoid strenuous physical activity for the first few days after your surgery, as high-impact activities can push blood clots out of their pockets.
- Plan to eat soft foods like soup, yogurt, apple sauce, rice, etc. for the first few days after your procedure. As you feel ready, enter a slightly stronger diet.
- Remember to stay hydrated in the days and weeks after your surgery; This will support your body’s natural healing abilities. Try to avoid hot drinks (or food) for at least the first day or so after your surgery.
Final thoughts
Follow the brushing schedule suggested by your surgeon (you may be asked not to brush for a while after the procedure). To avoid a dangerous dry mouth (a painful condition in which blood clots expose bones and nerves), do not use a straw, do not spit, do not smoke, do not aggressively wash your mouth or swallow hard.
