Is it time to get your wisdom teeth taken out? You likely have a lot of questions about wisdom teeth removal. Our Calgary dentist has answered several of the most commonly asked questions about the procedure.
If you would like to meet with Dr. Arash Ravanbakhsh to discuss getting your wisdom teeth out, please call our Calgary office right away to request an appointment. We can help you determine if you need your wisdom teeth out and answer any questions you may have regarding the procedure.
Why Do I Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
There are several reasons why you may need wisdom teeth removal performed. This is typically done in your late teens to early twenties when your third molars (your wisdom teeth) start to show approaching problems.
Your dentist may say you need your wisdom teeth out if they are impacted. This means they are too far back in your mouth and will not erupt normally. Impacted wisdom teeth can become quite painful.
If your wisdom teeth are coming in at the wrong angle, they can begin to press on your neighboring teeth, which can cause problems with your bite and alignment.
If your mouth does not have enough room to accommodate your wisdom teeth, letting them grow in is going to result in your other teeth becoming crowded.
What Can I Expect Before Wisdom Teeth Removal?
You can meet with your dentist to talk about the removal procedure before you have it done. This is the time to get all of your questions answered, and it is also a great time to soothe any anxieties you have pertaining to the procedure.
Tell your dentist about any pre-existing conditions you have. Tell them your medical history as well as any current medications you are on. Ask about the type of sedation you will be receiving.
Once you have your appointment set up and your questions answered, you should plan to take some time off work or school to recover. Arrange a ride home if your sedation will prevent you from driving yourself.
What is the Procedure Like?
Your procedure will likely be done in under 45 minutes for a routine wisdom teeth removal. You will have the areas numbed with a local anesthetic. This won’t remove all sensations, but it should make the procedure painless.
Additionally, you will likely have sedation. The most common types of sedation leave you relaxed but conscious during the procedure. General anesthesia is only used when absolutely necessary.
You can take oral medication such as Ativan or Valium as a type of sedation. You may be offered IV sedation which can wear off much quicker after the procedure. Or you can breathe in nitrous oxide. These are all options for conscious sedation.
You likely won’t remember much of the procedure with sedation. You may even doze off for some of it.
We would be happy to answer any questions you have about the procedure or the sedation options.
What Post Care is Needed for Wisdom Teeth Removal?
There are certain things you should avoid to maximize your healing. Do not use a straw the first day or so after your procedure, as this can loosen or dislodge your blood blot. Do not smoke, as this can delay the healing process. Avoid any foods that are difficult to chew or that will scratch your gums.
Things that encourage healing include staying hydrated, using an icepack on your jaw, sticking to soft foods, and taking OTC painkillers as recommended by your dentist.
Contact our Calgary Dentist for a Consultation Right Away
If you think it is time to take your wisdom teeth out, do not hesitate to reach out to our Calgary dentist. We want to act as quickly as possible for wisdom teeth removal to avoid further complications.
Please request an appointment with Dr. Arash Ravanbakhsh right away if you are experiencing symptoms that point to troubles with your wisdom teeth.
