Wisdom teeth extractions are one of the most common oral surgery procedures we perform at Siouxland Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Most wisdom teeth procedures take between one and two hours. Usually, patients are back to their normal routines after just a few days, and the extraction sites will heal completely after one to two weeks.
Consultation and Oral Exam Appointment
Your pre-surgery consultation will involve a full oral exam by one of our oral surgeons. Your surgeon may take additional scans of your mouth to determine the exact location of your wisdom teeth before forming your treatment plan. If it is determined that your wisdom teeth pose a threat to your oral health, then your surgeon will work with you to form an extraction plan. You will also be able to discuss your anesthetic options and any other questions you have during this appointment.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
After administering the agreed-upon form of anesthesia, your oral surgeon will begin the procedure. First, your surgeon will lift the gum tissue to expose the tooth and remove any small pieces of bone or abnormal structures blocking the growth path. (If your tooth is already fully grown in, this exposure step will not be necessary.) Then, the tooth will be removed through the newly cleared area. Sometimes the tooth will be broken into pieces to make it easier to remove. After your teeth are removed, the surgeon will suture the surgical sites, and you will rest until your anesthesia wears off. Your designated driver will bring you home once the surgery is complete.
Anesthesia for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Most patients undergo a combination of local and IV anesthesia for optimal comfort during wisdom teeth extractions. You can discuss your anesthetic options with your oral surgeon at your pre-surgery appointment, and you can also read more about the types of anesthesia we offer by following this link: Anesthesia Options.
After Wisdom Teeth Removal
You will receive instructions for post-surgical care after wisdom teeth extractions. In general, you will have to eat soft foods for a couple of days after the surgery and make sure your surgical sites stay clean. If you have any questions about your post-surgical care instructions, you can ask your oral surgeon during your pre-surgery consultation, or you can contact one of our offices anytime for more information.
To learn more about wisdom teeth removals, contact one of our offices in Sioux Falls, SD, Mitchell, SD, Yankton, SD, or Brookings, SD, today.