Wisdom tooth extraction is a common oral surgery procedure to remove one or more wisdom teeth that are impacted, causing pain or crowding. Here’s what to expect during the procedure:
- Anesthesia: Your dentist may use local anesthesia, conscious sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the extraction.
- Tooth extraction: The dentist will use special tools to loosen and remove the wisdom tooth.
- Bleeding control: After the tooth is removed, gauze will be placed over the socket to control bleeding.
- Pain management: Some discomfort and swelling is normal after the procedure, but over-the-counter pain medication and ice can help manage these symptoms.
It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions for post-operative care, including avoiding hard or crunchy foods, to promote healing and minimize the risk of infection. The recovery time from wisdom tooth extraction can vary, but most people return to normal activities within a few days to a week