Anesthesia: Before the extraction, the dentist or oral surgeon will numb the region around the tooth with a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable and pain-free throughout the process. Occasionally, if several wisdom teeth need to be removed or the treatment is more involved, general anesthesia may be utilized.
Tooth Exposure: The dentist may need to make a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth if the wisdom tooth is impacted (partially or completely covered by bone or gum).
Tooth Removal: Using sophisticated dental tools, the dentist will carefully pry the tooth out of its socket. The tooth is divided into smaller pieces for easy removal.
Closure: The dentist will clean the extraction site after removing the wisdom tooth and may use sutures to aid in healing.
Gauze Placement: To stop bleeding and encourage the formation of clots, gently bite down on the gauze pads the dentist has given you. When it gets wet or as advised, replace the gauze.
Rest: After the extraction, relax for the remainder of the day. Avoid physically demanding activities to give your body time to heal.
Ice Packs: During the first 24-48 hours, placing ice packs on the outside of your cheek for 15-20 minutes can help reduce swelling and ease pain.
Pain Management: Follow your dentist's instructions when using over-the-counter or prescription pain medicines to control post-operative discomfort.
Balanced Diet: Adhere to a soft diet for a few days following the extraction. Avoid meals that aggravate the extraction, such as hard, crunchy, or spicy foods.
Proper Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth gently on the first day, avoiding the extraction site. After that, rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution to keep the area clean.
Avoid Smoking and Using Straws: Smoking and the use of straws might disturb blood clots and impede the healing process.
Follow Post-operative Instructions: Comply with any particular post-operative instructions your dentist or oral surgeon may have given you, including medication regimes and follow-up consultations.