October 11, 2021
Overview
An outpatient procedure performed by a dentist or oral surgeon, to remove the third set of molars, is known as Wisdom Teeth Surgery.
An impacted or misaligned wisdom tooth is one that doesn’t have enough room to grow naturally is present in most people.
Removal of impacted wisdom teeth ensures that they don’t damage the surrounding teeth and bones.
A few other reasons to have this surgery are tooth decay (dental cavities, dental caries, a hole in your tooth)/or an infection of the wisdom tooth. Sometimes the wisdom tooth may have an existing cyst.
Wisdom tooth removal is a common oral surgery but the procedure can be complicated if wisdom teeth have not yet erupted.
Impacted or unerupted wisdom teeth require the services of an oral surgeon. Most patients prefer to be heavily sedated for the procedure.
So make sure, dentists have the equipment and skill necessary to sedate or provide general anesthesia to patients.
Preparation of Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery at Kirkland
Discuss any concerns you may have with your dentist before the procedure.
They can guide you about what to do in the days before surgery and how to plan for recovery time afterward.
They will also discuss with you the type of anesthesia that will be used.
It is important to tell your dentist if you are under any medications. Also, do tell the dentist if you are planning any other treatment with intravenous medicine.
It is also important that you let your dentist know if you have any of the conditions outlined below.
- Diabetes
- Congenital heart condition
- Liver or renal disease
- Thyroid
- Have an artificial joint
- Hypertension
- A damaged heart valve
- Impaired immunity
- Adrenal disease
- Bacterial endocarditis
The dentist might want to make sure that any underlying medical condition is treated or stabilized before the tooth extraction.
Some antibiotics might also be prescribed for a few days before the procedure if you have a weak immune system or in case of an infection.
To ensure the best treatment, on the day of surgery follow the following tips:
- Avoid smoking and drinking for at least a day before surgery
- In case you have a cold, inform the dentist about rescheduling.
- If you experienced nausea or vomiting on the eve of the appointment day, you might require rescheduling or different anesthesia, so inform the dentist.
Ensure you have someone to take you home, in case you will receive general anesthesia.
Also buy some soft or liquid-based foods like smoothies, applesauce, oatmeal, yogurt, and other foods that are easy to eat without chewing, after surgery.
Surgery of Wisdom Teeth Removal at Kirkland
The surgery usually takes 45 minutes or less.
Gauze will be provided for you to bite down on to help the blood clot in the area.
A few mild effects of the anesthesia may be felt including nausea, dizziness, and shivering.
You will be monitored in a recovery room for some time. Once a specialist feels that you are stable, you’ll be sent home.
Usually, it takes less than an hour in the recovery room. You can feel groggy and swollen post-surgery.
Not much pain can be felt immediately, but it will probably increase as the local anesthetic wears off after a few hours. An ice pack can be applied directly to minimize swelling.
Dr. Gaurav Sharma has 400+ hours of Continuing education from the prestigious AAID (American Academy of Implant Dentistry) He applies for the latest research & advances in dentistry to provide the best dental care to patients.
Also Read: Are Dental Implants Safe?
Healing and Recovery of Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery at Kirkland
In case of bleeding after the gauze is removed, fold another piece of clean gauze into a pad and dampen it with warm water and gently hold it between your teeth in the area of the extraction.
Keep it for about 30 minutes & replace it if it becomes soaked with blood.
Some dentists may also recommend moistening a tea bag and gently biting down on it for 30 minutes to control bleeding.
Tannins in tea, the compounds that can constrict blood vessels, help stop bleeding.
For the first one day post-surgery, avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously or drinking through a straw.
Avoid alcohol, smoking, or any mouthwash with alcohol. Use a soft manual toothbrush, to brush your teeth and do not brush the teeth next to the extraction site.
Some pain, bleeding, and swelling of the mouth and cheeks may continue for several days after the surgery.
Make sure to take any prescribed medication, including OTC painkillers.
Relax and rest for one day after the surgery. Keep your head up using some pillows.
Consume soft foods and use warm salty water to rinse your mouth. You can steadily reintroduce other types of foods as you heal.
Risks and Complications of Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery at Kirkland
As you recover be careful about the formation of dry sockets. It means the extraction site’s exposure either because of the failure of the blood to clot or because of its dislodging.
This condition can cause intense pain radiating out from the socket toward the neck or side of the visible bone in the extraction site.
This pain can last for several days and be accompanied by a foul smell or a bad taste in the mouth.
Inform your surgeon immediately if you experience severe pain after two or three days.
However, by following the dentist’s instructions, a dry socket can be avoided. Another possible complication is infection.
This can occur when bacteria infect your gum line around the socket after one or two days after the surgery.
However, do follow up with your dentist even if you have not experienced any complications. The stitches will dissolve on their own though and will not require any removal.
Cost of Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery at Kirkland
The cost for wisdom teeth extraction surgery is dependent on the level of impaction.
A simple tooth extraction can on average cost $800 to $4,000 for each tooth. The type of anesthesia used also determines the tooth extraction cost.
You can talk with your dentist, surgeon, and insurance provider about your benefits and what will be covered.
Our dental team at Kirkland Premier Dentistry is always ready and fully equipped to assist you if you have an oral problem.
In case of any questions regarding your oral health or dental condition, please schedule an appointment with us today.
