5 Things To Know Before Getting Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted

No one looks forward to having their wisdom teeth removed, but it's a procedure that most people will undergo. If your dentist has recommended that you have your wisdom teeth extracted before they cause oral health problems or if you're experiencing issues, such as pain, from your wisdom teeth, the trusted team at Legacy Surgery in Harrisonburg, VA, is here to ensure that your surgery experience goes as smoothly as possible. Before scheduling your consultation with Dr. Kesecker, here are five things to know before getting your wisdom teeth extracted.

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are a set of third molars in the back of your mouth. They usually come in somewhere between your late teens and early twenties. Unfortunately, most people don't have enough space in their mouths for their wisdom teeth to come in comfortably. To avoid an impacted wisdom tooth when they emerge, people get them extracted to avoid oral health problems from occurring.

Why do Wisdom Teeth Need to be Removed?

Our jaws are no longer large enough to accommodate this extra set of teeth. As a result, wisdom teeth are often pushed against our other teeth as they emerge, and sometimes come in sideways, which can cause negative effects, including dental shifting and pain. Because of this, it's common for people to choose to undergo a wisdom tooth extraction before their wisdom teeth come in to prevent problems from occurring.

What Does a Wisdom Tooth Extraction Look Like?

Having your wisdom teeth removed may sound scary, but it's a common procedure that usually goes very smoothly. Here's what you can expect during your wisdom tooth extraction at Legacy Surgery:

• Dr. Kesecker will give you anesthesia to ensure you're as relaxed and comfortable as possible with local anesthesia depending on your particular needs.
• He will then make an incision through your gum tissue to remove the wisdom tooth and possibly a bit of the surrounding bone.
• Lastly, he will use stitches to close the incision and pack the area with gauze to control the bleeding.

After your surgery, following Dr. Kesecker's recommendations is important to help the healing process go well and prevent complications, such as side effects like dry sockets. This includes resting in the first 24 hours, avoiding spicy and hot foods, using warm salt water, not smoking or using a straw, applying ice packs to your cheeks for swelling or discomfort in the surgical area, and taking the recommended pain medications.

What do People Need to Know Before the Procedure?

Preparing for your wisdom teeth removal can help the surgery and recovery process smoothly. Here's what you need to know before your procedure:

• Do not eat or drink anything 6 hours before the surgery
• Have someone lined up to drive you home after the procedure
• Pain and swelling will occur, but we will help you manage it
• Do not smoke after surgery
• You should not brush your teeth directly after the procedure

What do People Need to Know Before the Procedure?

If you are seeking options for a wisdom teeth extraction procedure, our team at Legacy Surgery is here to assist you. We make the removal of your wisdom teeth process as easy as possible, and Dr. Kesecker has years of experience in dental surgery. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment and learn more about how removing your wisdom teeth early can benefit your oral health for years to come!