Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat It IsPurposeHow to PrepareWhat to ExpectRecoveryComplications
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What It Is
Purpose
How to Prepare
What to Expect
Recovery
Complications
Wisdom teeth removal surgery, also called a wisdom tooth extraction, is a dental procedure used to remove a tooth from the third set ofmolars, commonly called your “wisdom teeth.” The surgery is typically used when the tooth becomes impacted.
Wisdom teeth removal is typically performed as anoutpatientprocedure under mildanesthesia. Recovery from wisdom teeth extraction can take up to six weeks, but most people can go back to normal activities in a day or two.
This article walks you through what to expect if you are scheduled to undergo wisdom tooth removal surgery, including the possible risks and complications.
Verywell / Hilary Allison
What Is Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery?
Not everyone has wisdom teeth, but most people have one to four that usually come in between the ages of 17 and 25. The teeth can often become impacted, meaning there is not enough room for them to break through the skin and emerge. By getting the tooth removed, you can prevent damage to the surrounding teeth.
To prevent pain, you’ll be given anesthesia either as a gas or intravenously (into a vein). Your surgeon will decide which to use based on the complexity of the procedure, your comfort level, and the number of teeth that need to be extracted.
1:51Click Play to Learn All About Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery
1:51
Click Play to Learn All About Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery
Risk and Contraindications
Wisdom tooth surgery in younger people is usually easier to perform than in older people who are at higher risk of complications.
In younger people, the bone is more flexible and elastic, making the tooth easier to extract while reducing the risk of bone fracture and nerve injury.
Wisdom tooth extractions are best done between the ages of 18 and 21, but the oral surgeon will decide when it should be done based on a thorough diagnosis, including dental X-rays.
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Purpose of Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery
A dentist will recommend wisdom tooth removal surgery if an examination reveals that your wisdom teeth are impacted or may cause problems in the future.
Beyond impaction, other reasons for wisdom tooth extraction include:
Your dentist may perform the surgery or refer you to a periodontal surgeon. The surgeon will tell you how to prepare for the surgery and recovery afterward. They may also discuss which type of anesthesia they intend to use and why. If they don’t tell you, ask.
The cost of wisdom teeth removal surgery will depend on the level of impaction and the number of teeth that are being removed. Check with your insurance provider to determine your benefits, including what will be and will not be covered.
What to Wear
Wear loose, comfortable clothes for the procedure. If you’re getting intravenous (IV) anesthesia, wear a shirt with short sleeves or sleeves you can easily roll up. You won’t need to change into anything for the surgery.
Food and Drink
If you are getting intravenous anesthesia, you won’t be able to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the procedure. This ensures your stomach is empty in the unlikely event the anesthesia causes vomiting.
Medications
The risk of bleeding problems can increase with certain medications, such as:
You may need to stop these anywhere from four to seven days before surgery.
You should also avoid tobacco and alcohol for at least eight hours before the surgery.
Let your surgeon know about any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, or supplements you take. They will let you know if you can continue taking them or need to temporarily stop for several days.
What to Bring
Bring any necessary paperwork and your dental insurance card with you to your appointment. You will also need to arrange for someone to bring you home since you will be groggy after receiving anesthesia and won’t be able to drive yourself.
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What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
Arrive at least 15 to 30 minutes prior to your appointment to settle in and fill out any necessary forms. Your surgeon may also want to perform additional X-rays.
During the Surgery
The surgery should take around 45 minutes. With anesthesia, you shouldn’t feel any pain and may experience what some describe as “twilight sleep.”
Here are the general steps to performing a wisdom tooth extraction:
After the Surgery
After the procedure is complete, the nitrous oxide gas or IV drip is stopped, and you’ll be brought slowly out of sedation.
The dentist will provide gauze for you to bite down on to help blood clot in the area. Immediately after surgery, you may feel mild effects of the anesthesia, including nausea, dizziness, and shivering.
You’ll be brought to a recovery room where you will be monitored. Once a specialist has determined that you are stable and breathing normally, you’ll be cleared to go home. You’ll usually spend less than an hour in the recovery room.
After surgery, you will feel groggy and swollen. You may not feel much pain immediately, but it will probably increase as the anesthetic wears off in the hours following the surgery.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery
For the first 24 hours after the surgery:
Some pain, bleeding, and swelling are likely for several days following the surgery. You may not be able to open your mouth all the way during this time.
The extraction site can take up to six weeks to heal, but most people can resume normal activities within the next one to two days.
At a minimum, wait 24 hours before driving to allow the anesthesia to fully wear off. If you are taking prescription painkillers, you would need to wait longer. Speak with your surgeon.
Healing
Your surgeon will give you extra gauze to take home. If you start to bleed after the gauze is removed, fold another piece into a pad, moisten it with water, and hold it over the bleeding until it stops. Do not bite down as this can make the bleeding worse.
You can also try moistening a tea bag and holding it over the wound for 30 minutes to control bleeding. Tea contains tannins that can constrict (narrow) blood vessels and help slow bleeding.
It is important to avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours following surgery, especially if taking prescription pain medication.
You would also need to avoid strenuous activity for a week after the surgery. The increased blood pressure may cause the wound to break open and bleed.
Smoking should also be avoided as it directly irritates the wound and can cause blood vessels to constrict, impeding healing.
If non-dissolvable stitches are used, you will need to have them removed at your surgeon’s office three to 14 days after the surgery.
Coping With Recovery
Over-the-counter pain medicine such asTylenol (acetaminophen)andAdvil (ibuprofen)are usually effective for pain after a wisdom tooth extraction.You can also try putting a cold compress on your face to help with swelling.
To help with sleep the first two days, place extra pillows behind your head to elevate it above your heart. This reduces blood flow to the mouth and can ease throbbing pain.
If the surgery was extensive, your surgeon may prescribe opioids painkillers such as Vicodin (hydrocodone and acetaminophen). These are intended for short-term use and should never be taken with alcohol or sedatives.
Eating and Drinking
In the first 24 hours after surgery, you should eat only soft foods like applesauce and yogurt. You can then move on to semi-soft foods like eggs, soft bread, and oatmeal over the next day or two.
Until you’ve fully healed, avoid foods that are spicy, acidic, chewy, or crunchy.
It also helps to gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water) after eating. This helps clear debris from the wound and reduces bacterial exposure.
Complications of wisdom teeth removal surgery include:
Symptoms of Dry SocketSymptoms of dry socket include:Severe pain radiating out from the socket toward the neck or side of the faceVisible bone in the extraction siteBad breathBad taste in the mouth
Symptoms of Dry Socket
Symptoms of dry socket include:Severe pain radiating out from the socket toward the neck or side of the faceVisible bone in the extraction siteBad breathBad taste in the mouth
Symptoms of dry socket include:
When to Call Your Dentist
Call your dentist right away if you have excessive bleeding or symptoms ofdry socket.
Seek immediate care if you havesigns of infection, including:
Summary
Wisdom tooth removal surgery is a common dental procedure used to extract teeth from the third set of molars, called your “wisdom teeth.” It is an outpatient procedure performed under mild anesthesia.
Recovery from a wisdom tooth extraction takes around six weeks, but you can usually return to work in a day or so. Pain can be treated with over-the-counter drugs like Tylenol or Advil. Alcohol should be avoided for at least 48 hours, and smoking should ideally to stopped until the wound is fully healed.
Call your surgeon if you have excessive bleeding or signs of infection such as high fever, chills, increased swelling, and a pus-like discharge.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.Wisdom teeth management.American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.Types of anesthesia.MedlinePlus.Impacted tooth.Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.Should you have your wisdom teeth removed?American Dental Association.Nitrous Oxide.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Wisdom teeth extraction.American Dental Association.Tooth extraction.Soltani R, Haghighat A, Fanaei M, Asghari G.Evaluation of the effect of green tea extract on the prevention of gingival bleeding after posterior mandibular teeth extraction: a randomized controlled trial.Evidence-Based Complementary Alternative Med.2014;2014:1-4. doi:10.1155/2014/857651Oral Health Foundation.What to do following an extraction.National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.Opioids & dental pain.Akinbami BO, Godspower T.Dry socket: incidence, clinical features, and predisposing factors.Int J Dentistry. 2014;2014:796102. doi:10.1155/2014/796102
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.Wisdom teeth management.American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.Types of anesthesia.MedlinePlus.Impacted tooth.Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.Should you have your wisdom teeth removed?American Dental Association.Nitrous Oxide.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Wisdom teeth extraction.American Dental Association.Tooth extraction.Soltani R, Haghighat A, Fanaei M, Asghari G.Evaluation of the effect of green tea extract on the prevention of gingival bleeding after posterior mandibular teeth extraction: a randomized controlled trial.Evidence-Based Complementary Alternative Med.2014;2014:1-4. doi:10.1155/2014/857651Oral Health Foundation.What to do following an extraction.National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.Opioids & dental pain.Akinbami BO, Godspower T.Dry socket: incidence, clinical features, and predisposing factors.Int J Dentistry. 2014;2014:796102. doi:10.1155/2014/796102
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.Wisdom teeth management.American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.Types of anesthesia.MedlinePlus.Impacted tooth.Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.Should you have your wisdom teeth removed?American Dental Association.Nitrous Oxide.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Wisdom teeth extraction.American Dental Association.Tooth extraction.Soltani R, Haghighat A, Fanaei M, Asghari G.Evaluation of the effect of green tea extract on the prevention of gingival bleeding after posterior mandibular teeth extraction: a randomized controlled trial.Evidence-Based Complementary Alternative Med.2014;2014:1-4. doi:10.1155/2014/857651Oral Health Foundation.What to do following an extraction.National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.Opioids & dental pain.Akinbami BO, Godspower T.Dry socket: incidence, clinical features, and predisposing factors.Int J Dentistry. 2014;2014:796102. doi:10.1155/2014/796102
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.Wisdom teeth management.
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.Types of anesthesia.
MedlinePlus.Impacted tooth.
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care.Should you have your wisdom teeth removed?
American Dental Association.Nitrous Oxide.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Wisdom teeth extraction.
American Dental Association.Tooth extraction.
Soltani R, Haghighat A, Fanaei M, Asghari G.Evaluation of the effect of green tea extract on the prevention of gingival bleeding after posterior mandibular teeth extraction: a randomized controlled trial.Evidence-Based Complementary Alternative Med.2014;2014:1-4. doi:10.1155/2014/857651
Oral Health Foundation.What to do following an extraction.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.Opioids & dental pain.
Akinbami BO, Godspower T.Dry socket: incidence, clinical features, and predisposing factors.Int J Dentistry. 2014;2014:796102. doi:10.1155/2014/796102
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