Wisdom Teeth Removal FAQs | Oral Surgeon in Ithaca, New York

Wisdom Teeth FAQs Before Surgery

How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to be removed? | At what age should wisdom teeth be removed? | Are impacted wisdom teeth dangerous? | What sedation options are available? | How long does wisdom teeth surgery take? | How should I prepare for surgery?

How do I know if my wisdom teeth need to be removed?

For some individuals, the first signs that you need your wisdom teeth removed are indications that the tooth is impacted or infected. Symptoms may include:

• Chronic Pain: You may have persistent, aching pain in the back of the mouth or your jaw.
• Pain When Chewing: Pain or discomfort when biting down or chewing can be a sign of an impacted or infected wisdom tooth.
• Gum Pain or Inflammation: If your gums are tender, red, or swollen in the back of the mouth, it may be due to a partially erupted wisdom tooth.
• Shifting Teeth: If your wisdom teeth are putting pressure on your second molars, they could damage or shift your second molars out of alignment.
• Jaw Stiffness: If your jaw begins to stiffen or become difficult to open, it could be a sign of infection or impaction.
• Cysts: Cysts are fluid-filled sacs, usually on the gums at the base of the affected tooth, which indicates an infection.
• Persistent Headaches: Recurring headaches or jaw pain radiating to the ears may be caused by impacted wisdom teeth.
• Bad Breath or an Unpleasant Taste: Either of these symptoms may be caused by bacteria and food debris trapped in gum flaps around partially erupted teeth.

However, for many people, wisdom tooth extraction in Ithaca is recommended by their dentist before symptoms develop. Dentists take X-rays or digital images of wisdom teeth periodically to check on their development when you are in your teens. If your dentist sees signs that your wisdom teeth will likely become impacted or cause dental health problems later in life, they may refer you to Finger Lakes Oral Surgery in Ithaca to have them proactively removed.

At what age should wisdom teeth be removed?

We recommend teeth extraction in your mid to late teens or early twenties to avoid potential problems later in life. Having them removed at this time is easier, less painful, and leads to faster recovery times. As you age, the roots of wisdom teeth grow longer, impinging on nerves and making removal more difficult and invasive.

Are impacted wisdom teeth dangerous?

Yes. They can lead to severe infection, cysts, damage to adjacent teeth, periodontal disease, and damage to the jawbone and nerves if left untreated.

What sedation options are available for wisdom teeth removal?

We offer all forms of sedation for impacted wisdom teeth removal, including IV sedation. The type of anesthesia used will be based on the complexity of your surgery, your medical history, and your level of anxiety and will be determined at your initial consultation.

How long does wisdom teeth surgery take?

Removing wisdom teeth can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on how many teeth are being removed, their condition, and the complexity of the surgery. Impacted wisdom teeth removal typically takes longer than removing teeth before they become a problem.

How should I prepare for wisdom teeth removal surgery?

Get a good night’s sleep, and do not take any food or drink for at least 6 hours before your scheduled surgery. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and no makeup. We will provide you with detailed instructions at your consultation.

Wisdom Teeth FAQs After Surgery

How much swelling and bruising is normal? | What can I eat after surgery? | How do I prevent dry socket? | Will I have stitches? | Is bleeding normal after surgery? | What medications will I need? | When should I call my oral surgeon?

How much swelling and bruising is normal after wisdom teeth removal?

Everyone has some swelling and bruising, although bruising is minimal in some patients. Expect swelling of the cheeks and around the eyes, which should peak and begin to subside by the third day. The swelling should be mostly gone within 7 days. We will give you instructions on ways to prevent swelling. Less swelling usually results in less soreness. Less soreness usually allows you to eat more normal foods quicker.

What can I eat after wisdom teeth removal?

We recommend you start off with soft foods such as cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, smoothies, pudding, and oatmeal. You can advance your diet to firmer foods as tolerated. Remember, less swelling & less soreness allows you to eat more normal foods, so keep ahead of the swelling. We may instruct you to stay away from hard crunchy foods for a few weeks.

How do I prevent “dry socket” after wisdom teeth removal?

After oral surgery, a blood clot forms at the extraction site to protect the empty socket and allow healing. If this is dislodged early, the exposed bone and nerves can cause severe pain. To avoid this, do not probe the surgery site with your tongue or fingers, and do not use drinking straws or do anything such as smoking that requires suction. When rinsing your mouth, gently swish, then let the water drain down the sink. We will give you a curved plastic syringe & demonstration how to irrigate the sockets beginning 2 to 3 days after surgery, which will help remove food debris & prevent a “dry socket.” It is okay to lightly brush the surgical site.

Will I have stitches after wisdom teeth removal?

Yes, in most cases, you will have dissolving sutures that will dissolve in 3 to 5 days. If a suture falls out, you can discard it.

Is bleeding normal after wisdom teeth removal?

Some mild bleeding or oozing is normal for a few days. However, if the bleeding doesn’t stop or is excessive, apply pressure with a gauze pad or a clean, soft cloth, and call our office.

What medications will I need after wisdom teeth removal?

We will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area following surgery to help keep you comfortable for the first day. We often prescribe a post-surgical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen in higher doses & occasionally stronger narcotic pain medications when indicated.

When should I call my oral surgeon after wisdom teeth removal?

Any of the following symptoms warrants a call to our office for guidance and, if necessary, an appointment to see us at our Ithaca office:

• Bleeding that is excessive or cannot be stopped.
• Severe, throbbing pain that indicates a possible dry socket, especially after the third day.
• A fever of 101 degrees or higher.
• Infection symptoms, such as pus or discharge from the mouth.
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing.
• Any indication of a reaction to your medications, such as a rash, severe nausea, or vomiting.

If you are in doubt, call our office at Finger Lakes Oral Surgery Office Phone Number 607-266-8600. We prefer hearing from you “just in case” rather than having you needlessly worry or develop a serious complication.