Wisdom Tooth Removal in Didsbury

Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars to emerge, typically in the late teens or early twenties. They often need to be removed because there isn't enough room for them in the mouth. This can lead to them becoming "impacted," meaning they are trapped below the gum line or grow in at an incorrect angle. This can cause pain, infection, damage to adjacent teeth, or other dental problems.

The procedure is a surgical extraction. Your dentist or oral surgeon will use anesthesia to ensure you don't feel pain. This can range from a local anesthetic (you are awake but the area is numb) to sedation or general anesthesia (you are asleep). The surgeon will cut the gum to expose the tooth, and may need to remove some bone. The tooth might be removed in one piece or cut into smaller sections for easier extraction. Afterwards, stitches (often dissolvable) may be used to close the gum. The entire process typically takes less than an hour, and it's usually an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day.

Recovery can take anywhere from a few days to up to two weeks. The first 24 hours are critical for allowing a blood clot to form in the empty socket, which is essential for healing. During this time, you should avoid rinsing your mouth, drinking hot liquids, using a straw, or smoking. Swelling and discomfort are common for the first few days and can be managed with painkillers and ice packs. Your diet will be restricted to soft foods for a week or so. You should also avoid strenuous activity for a few days to a week. Follow your dentist or surgeon's instructions for cleaning the area and preventing complications like "dry socket," which is a painful condition that occurs when the blood clot is dislodged.