Does It Hurt To Get All 4 Wisdom Teeth Removed
Introduction
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth that grow in the back of the mouth. They usually emerge during the late teenage years or early twenties. Many people often have to get all four wisdom teeth removed due to various reasons such as pain, infection, or crowding.
But the question is, does it hurt to get all four wisdom teeth removed? In this article, we will discuss the process of wisdom teeth removal, what to expect during and after the procedure, and how to manage the pain.
The Process of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Before the procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will administer anesthesia to numb the area around your wisdom teeth. Depending on the complexity of the surgery, you may receive local anesthesia, which only numbs the area around the teeth, or general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep during the procedure.
Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the dentist or surgeon will make an incision in your gum tissue to expose the wisdom teeth and the bone. They will then remove the teeth and clean the area to ensure there is no debris left behind. Finally, the dentist or surgeon will close the incision with stitches and place gauze over the area to help stop the bleeding.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
During the procedure, you should not feel any pain due to the anesthesia. However, you may feel some pressure as the dentist or surgeon removes the teeth. After the procedure, you will experience some discomfort and swelling in your mouth. You may also have some bleeding from the incision site.
To manage the pain and discomfort, your dentist or surgeon may prescribe pain medication and recommend using ice packs on your face to reduce swelling. You should also avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, or eating hard, crunchy foods for a few days after the surgery.
How to Manage the Pain
After wisdom teeth removal, it is common to experience some pain and discomfort. However, there are several ways to manage the pain and promote healing. Here are some tips:
- Take your prescribed pain medication as directed by your dentist or surgeon.
- Apply ice packs to your face for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Eat soft, cool foods like mashed potatoes, smoothies, or soup.
- Avoid smoking or using tobacco products, as they can delay healing and increase the risk of infection.
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm saltwater to keep the area clean and promote healing.
Conclusion
Getting all four wisdom teeth removed may sound like a daunting procedure, but it is a relatively common dental surgery. The process of removing the teeth is done under anesthesia, so you should not feel any pain during the procedure. However, you may experience some discomfort and swelling after the surgery, which can be managed with pain medication and home remedies.
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort from your wisdom teeth, consult your dentist or oral surgeon to see if they need to be removed. With proper care and management, you can ensure a speedy recovery and a healthy mouth.
