Wisdom Tooth Removal

How are Wisdom Teeth removed?

The type and length of the surgery will depend upon how developed your wisdom teeth are and their position. You will receive a local anesthetic to numb the area around your wisdom tooth.

Extraction of an erupted wisdom tooth. If your tooth is partially or completely erupted it may be extracted, or lifted out with forceps. Occasionally, if the roots are deeply embedded in the jawbone, the tooth may have to be split or bone may need to be removed.

Extraction of an impacted wisdom tooth. If your tooth is impacted an incision is made in the gum to reach your wisdom tooth. The incision creates a flap, which is peeled back, exposing the jawbone. If the tooth is lodged in the jawbone, bone tissue that is covering the tooth may have to be removed. The tooth may be extracted from its socket in one piece or split for easier removal.

What precautions should I take following the removal of Wisdom Teeth?
Following an extraction it is important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. After the blood clot is formed, it is important to protect it, especially for the first twenty-four hours. Below is a list of things to do and not do:
  • Do be careful not to bite your lips, tongue or cheek until the anesthetic wears off.
  • Do bite on a gauze pad for twenty minutes after the extraction. If bleeding or oozing continues after you remove the gauze pad, place another dampened gauze pad and bite firmly for another twenty minutes.
  • Do apply an ice pack to the area for two hours immediately following the extraction (twenty minutes on, twenty minutes off).
  • Do not smoke for a minimum of three days.
  • Do not clean the teeth next to the extraction site.
  • Do not suck through a straw or rinse your mouth vigorously.
  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
  • Do not eat hot or spicy foods.
  • Do drink plenty of fluids and eat only soft nutritious foods on the day of the extraction.
  • Do rinse your mouth gently after meals.
  • Do sleep with two pillows to elevate your head.
  • Do limit yourself to calm activities on the day of the extraction.
  • Do begin eating normally the next day or as soon as it is comfortable.
  • Do rinse your mouth out with warm salt water twice a day beginning the day after the extraction.
  • Do resume your normal dental routine after twenty-four hours. This should include brushing your teeth and tongue and flossing at least once a day.
  • Do use pain medications as needed and take all antibiotics exactly as prescribed.
Call us at 905-479-7777 if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling after three days or if you think that you are having a reaction to the medication. After a few days you'll be feeling fine and you can resume your normal activities.

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Wisdom Tooth Removal
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"Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you'd have preferred to talk."
- Doug Larson