How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Take?
Among the most prevalent dental surgeries in the world is the wisdom teeth removal. Whether your dentist may have just prescribed it or you have been having doubts about it since years back, it is understandable to have some questions.
How long does wisdom tooth surgery take? Do wisdom teeth hurt when removed? What should you eat afterward? This guide covers everything you need to know.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
The third set of molars are the wisdom teeth which are supposed to appear between 17 and 25 years. As it is, many people do not have space enough in the mouth to grow properly. This may cause impaction, crowding, pain and infection – this makes wisdom teeth removal a necessary process for long-term oral health.
How Long Does Wisdom Tooth Surgery Take?
One of the most frequently asked question by most patients is; how long does wisdom tooth surgery take? Well, the solution is based on how many teeth are extracted and their location.
- Removal of single teeth: Approximately 20-30 minutes.
- All four wisdom teeth: 45 minutes to one-hour long.
- Complex or impacted cases: Can take up to 90 minutes or more.
The actual process of performing the procedure will include giving anaesthesia, performing a small incision in the gum tissue where it is necessary to loosen the tooth and extract it. Your dentist or oral surgeon will do the best possible to save on your time at the chair.
Does Wisdom Teeth Hurt When Removed?
This is possibly what patients dread most and the truthful answer is: not in the process. Before any task is carried out, local anaesthesia is done to numb the area. In more nervous patients, there are also possible sedation methods that include IV sedation or general anaesthesia, which implies that you might not even realize that the procedure is under way.
With that said, a degree of pressure and movement is normal and expected during extraction. The pain or any other form of discomfort usually occurs after the anaesthesia has receded, in the recovery period.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery
Most patients take five to seven days to recover after wisdom teeth removal, although it may take three to four weeks to have the gum tissue healed. Here’s what to expect:
- Day 1-2: Swelling, slight bleeding, and soreness are normal. Hold your head high and use ice packs to decrease the swelling.
- Day 3-4: The swelling will usually reach its peak towards day three and then it will start to diminish.
- Day 5-7: A majority of the patients are now much better and can resume light routines.
Your dentist may provide you with painkillers and may prescribe antibacterial mouthwash to prevent being infected in the future. Follow all the post-operative recommendations to avoid the occurrence of other complications like dry socket that is attributed to the removal of the blood clot at the extraction point.
What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removed?
The diet is very significant in your recovery. It is important to know what to eat after wisdom teeth have been removed since this can help the healing process to go a lot easier. Use soft and easy to chew foods, at least during the first few days:
- Yogurt, smoothies and milkshakes.
- Mashed Potatoes and soft scrambled eggs.
- Applesauce, oatmeal, pudding.
- Soup (lukewarm, not hot)
With regard to the time of the day to have your wisdom teeth removed, it is better that you do not eat at least several hours after surgery in the case of sedation. When you are healed, make a gradual transition to soft foods and do not feed on anything crunchy, sticky or chewy that might irritate the wound. Avoid using straws as well, the suction may loosen the protective blood clot.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
The cost of having wisdom teeth removed can be quite different and that is based on how complex the removal procedure is, the type of anaesthesia used and your geographical whereabouts and the presence or absence of dental insurance.
Simple extractions tend to be cheaper whereas surgical excision of affected teeth may be significantly costly. You should always ask your dentist or oral surgeon to give you a specific cost estimate as well as inquire with your insurance carrier to find out what you are covered.
Bottom Line
Wisdom teeth removal is a common surgery that millions of individuals go through annually. It may seem overwhelming, but knowing how much time you will spend, how you will look after your recovery and what you will eat after can make you feel prepared and confident.
Share your personal experience with your dental specialist and get the personalized help that you need to make the process a stress-free one.