If your dentist has told you that you need your wisdom teeth removed, you might feel nervous about what’s ahead. It’s normal to have questions about the procedure and what recovery will be like. Understanding what to expect can help ease your anxiety and prepare you for a smooth experience.

At Kildaire Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Cary, NC, Dr. Hieu Nguyen performs wisdom teeth extractions with skill and care. His gentle approach and expertise in oral surgery help patients feel comfortable throughout the process.

Why Do Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the last molars to come in, usually appearing between ages 17 and 25. Many people don’t have enough room in their mouth for these teeth, which can cause problems like crowding, pain, infection, or damage to other teeth.

Our dentist might recommend removing your wisdom teeth if they’re impacted (stuck under the gums), growing in at an angle, causing pain or swelling, or creating a risk of infection or decay. Removing them prevents these problems from getting worse.

Before Your Appointment

Dr. Nguyen will examine your mouth and take X-rays to see how your wisdom teeth are positioned. He’ll explain why removal is necessary and answer any questions you have about the procedure.

Let Dr. Nguyen know about any medications you’re taking and any health conditions you have. If you’re having sedation, you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. Plan to take it easy for a few days after your extraction, so clear your schedule if possible.

Don’t eat or drink anything for at least six hours before your appointment if you’re having sedation. Wear comfortable clothing and avoid wearing contact lenses or jewelry.

What Happens During the Procedure

On the day of your extraction, Dr. Nguyen and his team will make sure you’re comfortable and relaxed. At Kildaire Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, the atmosphere is welcoming and calm, helping you feel at ease.

First, Dr. Nguyen will numb the area around your wisdom teeth with a local anesthetic. If you’re anxious about the procedure, you can also choose sedation options like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral medication to help you relax. With sedation, you’ll feel calm and may not remember much about the procedure.

Once you’re comfortable and numb, Dr. Nguyen will carefully remove your wisdom teeth. If a tooth is impacted, he may need to make a small incision in your gum to access it. He might also need to divide the tooth into smaller pieces to remove it more easily.

Throughout the procedure, Dr. Nguyen’s extensive training in oral surgery ensures precise, efficient work. Most wisdom teeth extractions take between 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how many teeth are being removed and their position.

After removing the teeth, Dr. Nguyen will clean the area and may place stitches to help the gums heal. He’ll place gauze over the extraction sites to control bleeding.

Right After the Procedure

After your wisdom teeth are removed, you’ll rest in the office for a short time while the staff monitors you. If you had sedation, you’ll need to wait until it wears off enough for you to leave safely with your driver.

Your mouth will feel numb for a few hours after the procedure. You might feel some pressure or pulling during the extraction, but you shouldn’t feel pain. If you do feel discomfort, let Dr. Nguyen know right away so he can give you more anesthetic.

Recovery at Home

The first 24 hours after your extraction are the most important for healing. Here’s what to expect and how to take care of yourself:

• Managing Pain and Swelling: Some pain and swelling are normal after wisdom teeth removal. Dr. Nguyen will prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter options. Apply ice packs to your cheeks for 15 minutes at a time during the first day to reduce swelling.
• Controlling Bleeding: Light bleeding is normal for the first day. Bite down gently on gauze pads for 30 to 45 minutes at a time. If bleeding continues, try using a moistened tea bag instead, as the tannic acid helps blood clot.
• Eating and Drinking: Stick to soft foods for the first few days. Good options include yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, soup, and applesauce. Avoid hot foods, crunchy foods, and anything that requires a lot of chewing. Don’t use straws, as the suction can dislodge the blood clots and cause a painful condition called dry socket.
• Keeping Your Mouth Clean: Don’t brush the extraction sites for the first 24 hours. After that, you can gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day. Be careful not to rinse too vigorously.
• Rest and Activity: Take it easy for at least 24 to 48 hours. Avoid strenuous exercise, bending over, or lifting heavy objects, as these activities can increase bleeding.

Most people recover from wisdom teeth removal without complications. However, call Kildaire Family and Cosmetic Dentistry if you experience severe pain that doesn’t improve with medication, excessive bleeding that won’t stop, signs of infection like fever or pus, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Trust Your Care to Dr. Nguyen

With his award-winning expertise in oral surgery and gentle approach, Dr. Nguyen makes wisdom teeth removal as comfortable as possible. At Kildaire Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, you’re treated like family in a warm, welcoming environment.

If you need wisdom teeth removal in Cary, NC, call 919-823-7107 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nguyen today.