The media makes wisdom tooth removal look scary, but it's not. It's an everyday procedure that dentists have plenty of experience with.



We're here to talk about a few things you should ask your dentist about wisdom tooth removal. Read on to learn more. 

This is one question that many people ask when they're visiting their dentists in Catoosa, OK and they still have their wisdom teeth. They want to know whether or not their wisdom teeth actually need to go.

While many people end up going through wisdom tooth removal surgery, it isn't always necessary. If your wisdom teeth aren't posing a problem, you can keep them. 

Wisdom teeth are unnecessary, but if they've grown in well and your mouth has space for them, there's no reason to remove them. While some dentists will recommend that you remove wisdom teeth before you get braces, even this isn't necessary as long as they're healthy and in the right positions. 

In some cases, wisdom tooth removal is the best option. Sometimes wisdom teeth take up too much space and they cause other teeth to shift. If there's not enough room for your wisdom teeth, they may even crack (which can lead to tooth decay in the cracks). 

Other times, wisdom teeth won't erupt at all because they're impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth aren't always problematic, but if they're causing pain or inflammation, removal is the best option. 

Your dentist will only know if wisdom tooth removal is right for you after doing a thorough examination of your teeth (including a dental x-ray). 

If your family dentist in Catoosa, OK decides that it's best for you to have your wisdom teeth removed, you should ask how you should prepare for the procedure. 

In general, preparing for wisdom tooth removal is straightforward. It's a minor procedure and some people even go right back to work or school after depending on what sedation method they used.

Ask if you can and should eat before your wisdom tooth removal. You should also ask if you're going to need someone to drive you home (more on that later!). 

You should get plenty of rest the night before the procedure. It's also helpful to prepare for your first day of recovery the night before. Prepare some easy-to-eat foods and set yourself up for a relaxing post-removal experience. 



You should get to your dentist's office early to give yourself time to relax and fill out any necessary paperwork. 

In the media, wisdom tooth removal is often portrayed as something that's always done with heavy sedation. Is this always the case? Do you have sedation options? 

In reality, wisdom tooth removal doesn't always require heavy sedation. In some cases, heavy sedation is the better option, especially if the dentist is removing several teeth at once or if the removal is somehow complex.

In other cases, dentists choose to only use a local anesthetic. It numbs the area around the tooth but the patient stays fully aware for the duration of the removal process. For a simple extraction, this is enough (though anxious patients may want more sedation).

In the middle is laughing gas or nitrous oxide. With laughing gas, the patient is still aware of the procedure, but they should feel calm and time may pass more quickly. 

Your sedation method will determine a few things about how you prepare for your wisdom tooth removal. If you'll be under heavy sedation, you may have restrictions regarding when you can eat before the surgery. Ask your dentist about this.

You'll also need someone to drive you home after the procedure.



If you only use local anesthetic or nitrous oxide, you don't have to worry about that. You'll be ready to drive home a few minutes after the procedure. 

What Happens During the Wisdom Tooth Removal Process?

What happens during the removal process will vary depending on whether you're going through a simple extraction or a surgical extraction.

During a simple extraction, once the patient is numb and relaxed, the dentist will loosen the wisdom tooth with a tool called an elevator. They'll then reach into the mouth with forceps to grab the tooth and wiggle it out. This is no different than removing any other tooth.

During a surgical extraction, the dentist will make a small incision in the gums. They may also have to remove some bone around the wisdom tooth or break the tooth up to remove it completely. 



They'll still use the elevator and forceps to remove the tooth. 

What Should I Do During the Recovery Period?

The recovery period for wisdom tooth removal is quick and easy. 

Your dentist will place gauze in your mouth and have you bite down on it. This helps the wound clot. That clot will protect your bone and nerves and facilitate healing. 

They'll give you several pieces of gauze to take home with you. You should switch them out every half-hour or so.

You'll want to avoid brushing the area for the first day of healing or longer depending on your dentist's instructions. Instead, rinse with warm salt water and let the water fall out of your mouth. Forceful spitting could dislodge your clot.

You'll want to eat soft foods and avoid smoking or using straws. 



Ask your dentist in Catoosa, OK for a full list of instructions. 

Is It Time for Your Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Wisdom tooth removal might seem scary, but it doesn't have to be! It's a straightforward procedure that only takes a matter of minutes and the recovery period is quick.

If you think you need wisdom tooth removal, talk to the best dentist in Catoosa, OK today. 

At Dental Arts of Catoosa, we aim to help all of our patients maintain happy and healthy smiles. Contact us to set up your appointment today.