Dental Articles - London

Wisdom tooth removal is a common procedure. It is also normal to feel nervous before it. Learning what to expect before, during, and after your appointment can help you feel more prepared and at ease.

Before Your Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Before your procedure at MEk Dental, our team will guide you through a few important steps.

1. Consultation and Exam
   You will meet with our dental team to review your medical history, talk about any concerns, and discuss the procedure. This is a good time to ask questions.
2. X-Rays
   We will take X-rays to check the position of your wisdom teeth and to plan your treatment. These images help us understand how simple or complex the removal may be.
3. Anesthesia Options
   We will explain the different types of anesthesia and suggest the best option for you. This may include:
   • Local anesthesia, which numbs the area
   • Sedation, which helps you feel relaxed
   • General anesthesia, which puts you fully asleep

We will also give you instructions to follow before your surgery. These may include:

• What foods or drinks to avoid
• Whether you need someone to drive you home
• What medications to take, if needed

During Your Wisdom Tooth Extraction

On the day of your procedure, here is what you can expect:

• Anesthesia will be given to keep you comfortable and free of pain.
• The removal will begin once the area is fully numb. Sometimes, the tooth will be divided into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove.
• The procedure usually takes around 45 minutes.
• If necessary, stitches will be used to close the area.
• Gauze will be placed to help stop bleeding. Our team will explain how to care for your mouth after the procedure.

After Your Wisdom Tooth Extraction

You will spend a short time resting after the procedure while the anesthesia wears off. If you received sedation or general anesthesia, you will need someone to drive you home.

Some swelling and soreness are normal and should improve after a few days. To help your recovery:

• Place an ice pack on your cheek to reduce swelling
• Keep your head raised while resting
• Take any pain medications as instructed
• Eat soft foods such as yogurt, soup, and mashed potatoes
• Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods until your mouth has healed

Oral Care During Healing

After a tooth is removed, a blood clot will form in the area. This clot helps your mouth heal. It is important to protect it. If the clot becomes dislodged, you may develop a painful condition called dry socket.

To protect the healing area:

• Do not use straws or smoke
• Avoid sharp or hard foods
• Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water if advised by our team
• Brush your teeth carefully and avoid the area where the tooth was removed

Questions or Concerns

It is completely normal to feel unsure before a dental procedure. The team at MEk Dental in London, Ontario, is here to support you.

If you have questions or would like to book a consultation, please contact us. We are happy to help.

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Dentist London