Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Painful? Answers to Your Biggest Questions

As wisdom teeth emerge, they can grow at odd angles, become impacted, or force the other permanent teeth in the mouth to shift and misalign your bite. When this happens, you may require wisdom tooth extraction. At Diana Rodriguez & Associates in Union City, NJ, we understand that any dental procedure comes with questions. Here are some of the questions our patients ask most frequently.

What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth?

When a wisdom tooth doesn’t have sufficient space to fully emerge from the gums or develop properly, it is considered impacted or trapped within the jaw. Depending on your situation, we may recommend a wisdom tooth extraction for an impacted tooth, as it can cause pain, infection, tooth shifting, or damage to the surrounding teeth.

When Should I Have a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

If X-rays show there isn’t enough room for the third molars to erupt, then you should schedule your wisdom tooth extraction as soon as the problem is identified. Early removal of an impacted tooth lessens the chances for the tooth to cause problems for the surrounding teeth and allows for faster healing with fewer complications.

What Can I Expect from Wisdom Tooth Extraction Surgery?

Most wisdom tooth extractions take less than an hour. First, you’ll receive anesthesia — often a local anesthetic with general or IV sedation, depending on your situation and preferences.

Depending on your mouth, your dentist may need to cut into your gums to remove the teeth. If necessary, you’ll receive dissolvable stitches to help your gums heal quickly. These stitches will disappear after a few days. In addition, you may have gauze placed around the incision site to soak up any blood and protect the sutures.

Is Wisdom Tooth Extraction Painful?

While swelling is common after surgery, most patients have a smooth recovery process. You can minimize any discomfort and swelling by:

• Applying an ice pack to reduce swelling
• Gently exercising your jaw
• Only eating soft foods
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Taking any medication your dentist prescribes as directed

Most patients fully recover from a wisdom tooth extraction in three to five days.

What Can I Eat After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

After any surgery, it’s essential to prioritize your nutrition to help your body heal. However, following a healthy diet can be especially difficult after oral surgery since you want to limit crunchy, sticky, or crumbly foods.

Soft foods that contain protein, vitamins, and minerals but are easy to chew are the best options after your wisdom tooth removal. Some recommendations include:

• Blended soups and broths
• Yogurt
• Scrambled eggs
• Applesauce
• Bananas
• Hummus
• Smoothies
• Avocados
• Oatmeal

After your surgery, avoid using a straw. The suction created when you use a straw can cause your blood clots to dislodge too soon. Avoid spicy foods, which can irritate your incision, along with seeds and grains, which can get caught in your wound.

Trust Diana Rodriguez & Associates

Dr. Diana Rodriguez understands that most patients don’t look forward to a wisdom tooth extraction, so she works hard to ensure her Union City, NJ, patients receive the attentive, expert care they need.

As she boasts hundreds of five-star reviews, it’s easy to see why patients choose Diana Rodriguez & Associates for their wisdom tooth removal. Call our offices today to schedule your free consultation and learn what patients are raving about!