Does It Hurt To Get Wisdom Teeth Cut Out
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge in the mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. For some people, they grow in without any issues, while for others, they can cause pain, swelling, and infection. In cases like these, wisdom teeth extraction may be necessary.
What Is Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Wisdom teeth extraction is a surgical procedure that involves removing one or more wisdom teeth. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, which means you'll be awake but won't feel any pain. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used, which means you'll be asleep during the procedure.
Does It Hurt To Get Wisdom Teeth Cut Out?
The short answer is yes, getting your wisdom teeth cut out can be painful. However, the level of pain you experience will depend on several factors, including the location of the teeth, the complexity of the extraction, and your pain tolerance.
What Can You Expect During Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Before the procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will give you instructions on how to prepare. You'll be advised to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure, and you may be given medication to help you relax.
During the procedure, you'll be given local anesthesia to numb the area around the teeth. If you're nervous, you may also be given a sedative to help you relax. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, your dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in your gum tissue and remove the wisdom teeth. After the teeth have been removed, the incisions will be closed with stitches, and gauze will be placed over the extraction site to help control bleeding.
What Can You Expect After Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
After the procedure, you'll need to rest for a few hours until the anesthesia wears off. You'll also need to avoid eating or drinking for a few hours to allow the bleeding to stop. Once you're able to eat and drink, stick to soft foods like soup, yogurt, and mashed potatoes for the first few days.
You'll also need to keep the extraction site clean to prevent infection. Your dentist or oral surgeon will give you instructions on how to do this, which may include rinsing your mouth with salt water or using a special mouthwash.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
The recovery time for wisdom teeth extraction varies depending on the person and the complexity of the extraction. In general, you can expect to experience some pain and swelling for the first few days after the procedure. You may also have some bruising on your cheeks and neck.
To help manage the pain and swelling, you can use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and apply ice packs to your cheeks. Your dentist or oral surgeon may also prescribe stronger pain medication if needed.
Most people are able to return to their normal activities within a week or two after wisdom teeth extraction, but it may take several weeks for the extraction site to fully heal.
Conclusion
Getting your wisdom teeth cut out can be a painful experience, but the pain can be managed with medication and proper care. If you're experiencing pain or other symptoms related to your wisdom teeth, talk to your dentist or oral surgeon to see if extraction is necessary.