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Wisdom Teeth Info | Wisdom Teeth Removal Symptoms & Causes

Do you have any of the following symptoms?
• If you notice bad breath, stuck food, red/bleeding gums, and/or cheek irritation it could be a sign of wisdom teeth problems.
• Not all wisdom teeth need to be removed, come see us, we promise to advise you on the risks vs benefits of wisdom teeth removal.

When is the best time to remove wisdom teeth?
• Between 16-25 years of age the roots are not completely formed, making it a better experience and more comfortable recovery.
• After age 25 there are increased risks of bone loss during healing and time out of work which leads to more costs in the long run.
• Preventing problems on the wisdom tooth itself or adjacent teeth before they happen is always best.

Why are Wisdom Teeth removed if they don’t bother me?
• Preventive Care! Preventing problems (mentioned below) help you keep the important teeth healthy.
• Your jaw may not have enough space for the wisdom teeth to come thru the gums, causing them to be Impacted
• Impacted wisdom teeth push on adjacent teeth and prevent your ability to clean the teeth you need to keep for life.
• Wisdom teeth usually come in at an odd angle, pointing forwards, backwards, sideways causing cheek irritation and jaw pain
• In a very small amount of cases, some wisdom teeth can lead to cysts or unwanted pathology in the jaw.

Sedation Instructions

  • Do NOT Eat or Drink anything for at least 6 hours prior to your appointment. This will ensure a safe sedation experience.
  • Take your regular medications with a sip of water at your normally scheduled time on the morning of surgery.
  • Stay well hydrated the night before with water. Avoid coffee, caffeine, alcohol.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing that does NOT restrict access to your upper arm or ability to breathe.
  • Wear flat shoes for safety and balance
  • Remove nail polish and fake nails, as this may prevent our sedation monitor from working.
  • For men, beards should be trimmed as neatly as possible.
  • Bring a responsible Adult (>18years of age) who will drive you and monitor you for the next 24 hours.

Setting Expectations Right

  • Safe Sedation in a clinic is NOT General Anesthesia
  • You will not lose consciousness. However, your memory will be limited
  • You will be able to respond to instructions from our team
  • We only use safe, reversible time-proven medications for sedation
  • If you do not want to be under sedation, you do not have to be. You have options- either way, we will ensure safe, comfortable care

Post Operative Instructions

In most cases, the recovery period lasts only a few days. Take pain medication and antibiotics as prescribed. The following tips will help speed your recovery:

On the Day of Surgery

  • If you underwent IV Sedation, do not drive/operate machinery/or make important decisions for 24 hours after surgery as you may still be drowsy or less alert.
  • Bite gently on the gauze for the next 1 hour after surgery and change gauze every 30 minutes. Call us if you still have bleeding 24 hours after your surgery.
  • Never sleep with gauze in your mouth.
  • If you are coughing or have active seasonal allergies, please be careful with the gauze.

Post Surgery

  • Do not use a straw or spit for the first few days. Sucking on a straw or spitting can loosen the blood clot and delay healing- causing a painful dry socket.
  • Do not smoke or vape for at least 48 hours after your surgery. Smoking decreases the blood supply and can bring germs and contaminants to the surgery area.
  • While your mouth is numb, be careful not to bite lip, cheek, tongue.
  • Rest elevated, do not lie flat. Lying flat will cause more bleeding.
  • Put an old towel on your pillow, so you do not drool on or stain your cover

Swelling

Swelling is a normal part of the healing process where the body brings in good factors to help heal the site and defend against infection. Controlled swelling is expected for the 1st 48 hours and then reduce after.

  • Use an ice pack for 10 minutes on/10 minutes off for the first 24 hours, which will help with pain and swelling.
  • Take rest after surgery, watch tv, try not to run around as this may increase bleeding/pain.
  • Eating is important! Eat soft foods such as Jello/Pudding/Clear Soups for the first 1-2 days. Gradually add solid foods to your diet as healing progresses.
  • Avoid rubbing the area with your tongue or touching it with your fingers.
  • Continue to brush your teeth and tongue carefully.
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