Does It Hurt To Have Your Wisdom Teeth Taken Out
Introduction
Wisdom teeth are the third molars that usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. Most people have four wisdom teeth, but it's not uncommon to have fewer or none at all. Wisdom teeth can cause a lot of problems if they don't have enough room to grow, are growing at an angle, or are impacted. In that case, the best option is to have them removed. But does it hurt to have your wisdom teeth taken out?
The Procedure
The procedure to remove wisdom teeth is usually 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. The dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in your gums and remove the wisdom teeth. If the tooth is impacted, they may need to cut it into smaller pieces to remove it more easily.
During the Procedure
During the procedure, you may feel pressure and hear some cracking or popping sounds as the teeth are being removed. You shouldn't feel any pain, but if you do, let the dentist or oral surgeon know so they can give you more anesthesia. The procedure usually takes about 45 minutes, but it can take longer if the teeth are difficult to remove.
After the Procedure
After the procedure, you'll need to bite down on a piece of gauze to stop the bleeding. You may also be given pain medication and antibiotics to prevent infection. You'll need to rest for the first day and avoid strenuous activity for a few days. You'll also need to eat soft foods and avoid anything that could get stuck in the extraction site. You may experience some swelling and discomfort for a few days, but this should go away on its own.
Does It Hurt?
The short answer is that it depends. Some people don't feel any pain during or after the procedure, while others may experience some discomfort. The level of pain you feel will depend on a few factors, including the position of the teeth, the complexity of the extraction, and your pain tolerance. Most people are able to manage any discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication.
How to Minimize Pain
To minimize pain after the procedure, you can take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You can also apply an ice pack to the affected area to reduce swelling. It's important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon to ensure proper healing and minimize pain.
Conclusion
Having your wisdom teeth taken out can be a bit uncomfortable, but it shouldn't be painful. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia, so you won't feel anything during the extraction. After the procedure, you may experience some swelling and discomfort, but this should go away on its own within a few days. If you're worried about pain, talk to your dentist or oral surgeon beforehand to discuss your options.