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When you have your wisdom teeth removed by a skilled oral surgeon, you can avoid a lot of potential dental complications down the road.
At Ridge Oral Surgery, we have years of experience removing wisdom teeth, always prioritizing your comfort, safety, and well-being. We are here to put your mind at ease about the procedure and help you optimize your oral health and hygiene.
The wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are typically the last teeth to emerge. While some people get them as early as age 11, most people have their wisdom teeth come in between ages 17 and 21. The big problem with wisdom teeth is that the jawbone is typically too small to accommodate them. Wisdom teeth may become impacted, resulting in crowding, alignment issues, an increased risk of infection, and more.
When left untreated, wisdom teeth can lead to significant dental problems later in life, such as:
We normally recommend having them evaluated and removed as necessary in the age range of 15-25 years. As you get older, the recovery and the procedure may be more involved. During your consultation, our team will carefully assess and provide personalized recommendations.
At your initial consultation, your surgeon will go through your medical history, do a thorough physical examination of your teeth and gums and review your radiographs. Additional images may be taken as needed. Finally, treatment plan options will be discussed in detail, and all questions will be answered by your surgeon.
Before your wisdom teeth removal, your doctor will share any steps you need to take to prepare. This may involve pausing certain medications or supplements that could increase your risk of bleeding and following NPO instructions for anesthesia, among other things.
Having teeth removed may seem intimidating, but the team at Ridge Oral Surgery will ensure to make every step as comfortable as possible. They will be happy to walk you through the process, answer any questions in advance, and offer sedation options to alleviate your anxiety. Wisdom teeth removal is a simple and predictable oral surgery procedure, guided by advanced imaging to ensure safe and predictable removal and recovery.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
We strive to make wisdom teeth removal a safe, simple, quick procedure. While the complexity of your wisdom teeth removal may vary, it is usually well under an hour.
Does Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Taken Out Hurt?
We provide a range of sedation options to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Depending on your surgical needs and level of anxiety, we may recommend any combination of local anesthesia, deep anesthesia, IV sedation, and nitrous gas.
Once you complete your procedure, our team will provide you with oral and written instructions for aftercare and recovery, then discharge you once you are comfortable.
Have a Ride Home
Depending on the type of sedation used, you will likely feel groggy, dizzy, or tired. To ensure your safety, we ask that you arrange to have a friend or family member drive you home.
How Long Are You Groggy After the Procedure?
Due to anesthesia use, you can expect to feel groggy following your procedure. Your grogginess can vary, sometimes lasting a few hours to a couple of days. The effects of sedation will usually fade on their own and are no cause for concern. If you have any concerns, please call us right away to speak to a member of our team.
Recovery and Aftercare
Once you arrive home, you will be recommended a few basic aftercare instructions to promote healing, minimize the risk of infection, and ensure the best results.
For the first day of your recovery, it is essential to rest and eat soft foods and liquids. During this time, bleeding should have stopped, and you may also feel some residual effects of the sedation.
Over the initial 2-3 days, your soreness and swelling may typically increase and then will subside on their own. Stitches will dissolve on their own in a week, or you may need to return to have them taken out. You may begin transitioning back to a regular diet as you feel comfortable and may use over-the-counter pain remedies as required. You will be provided specific instructions regarding medications and other post-operative care.
By the end of the first couple of weeks to a month, you are well healed, and you will be able to enjoy all your favorite foods again.
While every patient is different, most people feel ready to resume their normal school and work activities within two or three days. We may advise you to wait a little longer before resuming exercise and strenuous physical activity.
You can eat right away after surgery! Just Remember to stick to cool liquids and soft foods and limit anything hot, spicy, or with little seeds. Also, limit drinking from a straw, which may cause a dry socket.
On the day of the surgery, you will want to stick to cool liquids and soft, bland foods, such as ice cream, applesauce, mashed potatoes, mashed bananas, rice, soft bread, and yogurt. Cool soups and broths are also good. You can start chewing on days 2-3, and you can progress to your normal diet typically within a week or so. You will be provided specific instructions regarding rinsing after each meal.
In most cases, yes. In situations where all four wisdom teeth are ready for extraction, it makes sense to remove them all at once, helping you avoid needing additional appointments. In other cases, you may have some wisdom teeth that need to come out and others that are not ready, but it ultimately depends on what your oral surgeon decides at the consultation.
Since every procedure has associated risks, and every patient is unique, the best way to make an informed decision is to schedule a consultation with Ridge Oral Surgery. You can discuss specific risks or concerns during your consultation and learn more about your individualized treatment plan.
Typically wisdom teeth removal does not affect your smile directly. As necessary, your oral surgeon will work with your orthodontist or dentist to ensure your smile looks right before and after. Your health is our top priority, and we ensure we do everything possible to keep you healthy and smiling.
Wisdom teeth removal is a very commonly performed procedure that can help you avoid needing more complex dental interventions later in life. The team at Ridge Oral Surgery will carefully assess and remove your wisdom teeth while emphasizing comfort and safety. Schedule a consultation with us by calling our Basking Ridge, NJ office directly today.
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