FAQs

Common signs include pain or swelling in the back of your mouth, difficulty opening your mouth, bad breath, or an unpleasant (foul) taste in your mouth. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with an oral surgeon or dentist near you.

Before the procedure, your oral surgeon or dentist will talk about the type of anesthesia you will receive, any medications you should avoid, and post-surgery care. It’s important to arrange for transportation if you’re receiving sedation or general anesthesia.

The duration of wisdom teeth removal surgery can vary relying on the complexity of the tooth extraction and how many teeth are being removed. On average, the procedure takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. If the wisdom teeth are impacted or if all four teeth are being removed at once, the surgery may take a little longer. Your oral surgeon or dentist will provide an estimated time based on your specific case.

The procedure is generally done with local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, based on how complex the extraction is. This ensures you are comfortable and pain-free during the extraction. Mild discomfort is common after the procedure and can be alleviated with the pain medications provided by your dentist.

Yes, most wisdom teeth extractions require stitches, especially if the gums need to be cut to remove the teeth. These stitches are typically dissolvable and will not need to be removed during your follow-up visit.

After the procedure, avoid using straws, smoking, and consuming hard or chewy foods, as these activities can disrupt the healing process. To prevent complications, be sure to keep the extraction site clean and follow the provided post-surgery care instructions carefully.

Most people can return to work or school within a few days after the procedure, depending on how they feel. It’s important to rest during the first few days to allow your body to heal.

No, removing wisdom teeth typically does not affect your bite as they are not essential for normal chewing. However, if the teeth are impacted or misaligned, their removal can help improve your bite and overall oral health.

Following wisdom teeth removal surgery, it’s essential to maintain a soft-food diet for the first few days to ensure proper healing of the extraction sites. Recommended foods include mashed potatoes, smoothies, yogurt, soups, and scrambled eggs. Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or chewy foods, as they can irritate the surgical sites or get stuck in the wound.