Most of us tend to associate wisdom teeth with a lot pain. The pain arising from wisdom teeth is even more annoying when you think about how “useless” your wisdom teeth are. It’s true that wisdom teeth do not really have an important function to perform unlike your molars or front teeth. But the so called non-functional wisdom teeth can create havoc when:
- They come in at the wrong angle.
- They are impacted.
- Your mouth is small to accommodate the wisdom teeth.
- You have cavities or gum disease.
In these cases, our dentist will most likely ask you to undergo a tooth removal procedure. And if it’s your first time, things can seem to be daunting. So, here is a brief overview of how dentists conduct the wisdom teeth removal procedure.
What Happens During the Surgery?
First, our dentist explains the entire procedure to you. He asks you about the list of medications you will have to take, and enquire about your overall health.
The wisdom teeth removal surgery usually takes about 45 minutes. At most times, you get to go home the same day. But you would have to get a caregiver or a friend along to help you get back home after the surgery.
There are different types of anesthesia your doctor may use to help you get through the surgical procedure. The first option is a local anesthesia, wherein your doctor numbs your mouth with a shot of Novocaine in your gums. You may also breathe nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, to relax or even doze off during surgery. But the effect of the anesthesia wears off in a short span of time.
The next option involves the use of IV sedation. In this procedure the doctor numbs your mouth and also gives you drugs through a vein in your arm that makes you lightheaded. This might even make you fall asleep for a couple of hours.
In the last option, our dentist near you might make you breathe gas through a mask. Once again, in this procedure you end up sleeping all through the surgery.
So, yes in a way, they do put you to sleep for wisdom teeth removal. If you too have been planning to get your wisdom teeth removed, then get in touch with our dental experts at the earliest.
