Knowledge is power, and for many patients, understanding what to expect before a procedure and how the process works can curb anxiety. We want you to feel confident and at ease leading up to your appointment, so feel free to review our most frequently asked questions about oral surgery below.
No, you do not need to worry about pain during a tooth extraction. Dr. Ricci will administer IV sedation before he begins, ensuring you are comfortable and relaxed. He will then inject local anesthesia to numb your mouth so that you feel no pain throughout the process. You will unlikely remember anything from your appointment, and you will be unbothered by what is happening around you.
You may not need wisdom tooth extraction; however, only your dentist can determine that. In most cases, removal is recommended to prevent possible pain and other oral health issues down the road, including cysts, infection, overcrowding, and dental damage.
Wisdom tooth removal is most commonly recommended for adolescents because less damage is likely to occur when these teeth are just starting to erupt. Of course, you can talk to your dentist about when you believe it is an appropriate time to have these teeth extracted. The most important thing is that you feel confident in your decision once you have all the facts.
It is most common for wisdom teeth to erupt between the ages of 16 and 25.
After your procedure, use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently clean the teeth surrounding your socket. Also, use a prescription oral rinse three times a day, but do not swish vigorously. You can also use a warm saltwater rinse if you prefer.
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that has failed to erupt and is trapped beneath the gumline. These teeth are often angled awkwardly and push against healthy teeth, causing damage. Impacted wisdom teeth do not erupt because there may not be enough room, or they are erupting at an odd angle. They should always be extracted to reduce the risk of possible infection.
The full effects of IV sedation will wear off after about six hours. Although you may be more alert 10-15 minutes after Dr. Ricci turns off the medication flow, you will still be groggy after treatment. This is why you must have a family member or friend drive you home and remain with you to ensure your safety.
A dry socket is a condition that develops after surgery and can cause unnecessary pain. If one forms, it usually occurs within the first 1 to 3 days after treatment. What happens is the blood clot dislodges from the socket, exposing the nerves and causing significant discomfort. You may notice a throbbing pain around the soft oral tissue that radiates to your ear or jaw. To minimize pain, you can take the prescription medicine your dentist provides. If this does not help, Dr. Ricci can provide a medicated dressing to alleviate your discomfort.
