The surgery is typically used when the tooth becomes impacted.
Wisdom teeth removal is typically performed as anoutpatientprocedure under mildanesthesia.
Verywell / Hilary Allison
What Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery?
Verywell / Hilary Allison
By getting the tooth removed, you’re able to prevent damage to the surrounding teeth.
Wisdom teeth removal surgery is typically performed by a dentist or oral surgeon.
The surgery involves cutting into the gum and removing the tooth either as a whole tooth or in pieces.
To prevent pain, youll be given anesthesia either as a gas or intravenously (into a vein).
The surgeon will tell you how to prepare for the surgery and recovery afterward.
They may also discuss which key in of anesthesia they intend to use and why.
If they don’t tell you, ask.
Check with your insurance provider to determine your benefits, including what will be and will not be covered.
you might prepare for recovery by buying soft or liquid foods that are easy to eat.
These include smoothies, applesauce, oatmeal, yogurt, and other foods that don’t require chewing.
What to Wear
Wear loose, comfortable clothes for the procedure.
You wont need to change into anything for the surgery.
This ensures your stomach is empty in the unlikely event the anesthesia causes vomiting.
You should also avoid tobacco and alcohol for at least eight hours before the surgery.
Let your surgeon know about any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, or supplements you take.
What to Bring
Bring any necessary paperwork and your dental insurance card with you to your appointment.
Your surgeon may also want to perform additional X-rays.
During the Surgery
The surgery should take around 45 minutes.
With anesthesia, you shouldnt feel any pain and may experience what some describe as “twilight sleep.”
The dentist will provide gauze for you to bite down on to help blood clot in the area.
You’ll be brought to a recovery room where you will be monitored.
You’ll usually spend less than an hour in the recovery room.
After surgery, you will feel groggy and swollen.
You may not be able to open your mouth completely during this time.
At a minimum, wait 24 hours before driving to allow the anesthesia to fully wear off.
If you are taking prescription painkillers, you would need to wait longer.
Speak with your surgeon.
Healing
Your surgeon will give you extra gauze to take home.
Tea contains tannins that can constrict (narrow) blood vessels and help slow bleeding.
You would also need to avoid strenuous activity for a week after the surgery.
The increased blood pressure may cause the wound to break open and bleed.
This reduces blood flow to the mouth and can ease throbbing pain.
These are intended for short-term use and should never be taken with alcohol or sedatives.
Until you’ve fully healed, avoid foods that are spicy, acidic, chewy, or crunchy.
This helps clear debris from the wound and reduces bacterial exposure.
It is an outpatient procedure performed under mild anesthesia.
Pain can be treated with over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol or Advil.
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