People’s adolescent years are chock full of significant life changes and events. The age of wisdom marks a time in people’s lives when sheer ignorance and bliss give way to having a greater sense of the world. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, have been known to symbolize coming of age in many cultures. It takes it’s name from the idea of becoming older and wiser since they only make their appearance late into early adulthood.
Wisdom tooth removal has almost become a rite of passage for young adults all over the world, and has gained infamy for the purported dangers and pains caused by the procedure. For Greenville residents nervous about wisdom teeth extraction, knowing what to expect before, during and after the surgery will aid in mentally preparing for the procedure. With enough factual information and with the help of skilled Greenville dentists, unfounded fears can be put to rest, ensuring the success and safety of the operation.
What to Prepare Before Surgery
The side effects of anesthesia might render a person incapable of driving after the procedure, so it’s important to schedule transportation arrangements before the appointment. Dentists might also recommend fasting the night before the surgery, and will usually require the patient to not drink or eat anything eight to twelve hours prior to the operation.
What to Expect During Surgery
Anesthesia will be used to numb the area for surgery and help the patient sleep through the entire procedure. The dentist will then slice the gum tissue over the tooth and remove any bone in the way. After separating the tissue which connects the tooth and the bone, the tooth will now be ready to be removed.
What to Expect After Surgery
Pain is to be expected after the surgery but the recovery period will only last for a few days. Dentists will require patients to drink lots of water and eat only soft foods. Strenuous physical activities and poking and rubbing the extraction site should be avoided. It is also not advisable to smoke for at least 24 hours post-surgery; this might cause the blood clot to loosen, which could then lead to excessive bleeding.
Wisdom teeth extraction, despite all the myths and horror stories, is not as dreadful as it sounds. While some cases may result in complications, experienced dental practices such as Downtown Dental will help minimize the risks of wisdom teeth removal in Greenville, SC.
(Source: Dreaded removal of wisdom teeth not quite so dreadful after all, Standard Examiner, January 7, 2015)
