Many people wonder why we have wisdom teeth if they don’t serve any real purpose. Interestingly, wisdom teeth were believed to be necessary for early humans because their diet consisted of so many raw foods. That’s certainly no longer the case, so if your wisdom teeth begin to cause problems and affect your oral health, your dentist in Van Nuys might recommend wisdom teeth removal. Keep reading if you’re wondering what happens before, during, and after your wisdom teeth removal procedure.
Before Your Wisdom Teeth Removal
If your dentist has determined that your wisdom teeth need to be removed, it’s probably for one of the following reasons:
- Impacted teeth – If one or more of your wisdom teeth haven’t broken through your gums, there’s a chance of infection or damage to your other teeth.
- Crowded or angled teeth – If your wisdom teeth are crowding your other teeth or coming in at an angle, they may need to be removed to make room.
- Vulnerable teeth – If your other teeth are more likely to decay because brushing and flossing in the back of your mouth is too difficult, you may require a wisdom teeth removal procedure.
Your Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
On the day of your procedure, you should wear loose-fitting clothes to your appointment; your dentist will begin by administering anesthesia to make you comfortable.
For the wisdom teeth removal procedure, your dentist will then make small incisions in your gums to gain access to your wisdom teeth. Once your wisdom teeth are exposed, they will gently loosen and remove them. You may feel pressure, but you will not experience pain during your procedure.
What to Expect after the Procedure
Once your wisdom teeth have been removed, you will need to follow your dentist’s specific aftercare instructions, including the following:
- Use ice packs on the procedure site to reduce swelling and discomfort
- Apply gauze pads to the extraction site to minimize bleeding and encourage clotting.
- Rinse your mouth with salt water.
- Keep your head elevated.
- Rest for one to two days.
- Drink plenty of water and eat only soft foods.
- Do not drink from a straw, as it can cause a dry socket.
- Avoid brushing or flossing your teeth for 24 hours after your procedure.
Do You Need Wisdom Teeth Removal in Van Nuys, CA?
If you want to speak to a dental team member about wisdom teeth removal or our other dental services, we are ready to take your call! At The Dental Care Center, we want you to have a healthy, beautiful smile. You can reach us at (818) 781-1533 to schedule an appointment.