What can you expect when consulting on wisdom teeth? 

A review of your health history will be completed, imaging will be taken, and an intraoral exam will be performed. While there are different levels of impaction, our doctors will discuss the pros and cons of wisdom teeth removal and will recommend whether you are a good candidate for removal. There are different factors, such as age, tooth development, and possible surrounding damage, that will indicate if extraction of the third molars is the right treatment for you. Surgical fees will be presented to you following the consultation – fees will vary based on insurance coverage, types of impactions, method of anesthesia, etc., but will be explained to you so that you understand your financial responsibility. 

What can you expect from wisdom teeth surgery? 

The day of wisdom tooth extraction procedure can cause anxiety for some. We do our best to put patients at ease and make them comfortable before the procedure begins. Our team at Dallas Surgical Arts are all CPR/First Aid certified, and our clinical staff are DAANCE certified and trained in anesthesia care and management.  At your consultation, you will be given different options of sedation: 

• Local anesthesia - the area around the extraction site is numbed via injection, but you are fully aware and awake. You can drive yourself home if this is the anesthetic route you choose.  
• Local anesthesia with Nitrous Oxide - also known as laughing gas, nitrous is a useful tool to help keep patients calm and relaxed. You are still awake and aware of all that is going on during the procedure, and the sites will still be numbed via injection. You can drive yourself home if this is the anesthetic route you choose.  
• IV Sedation - An IV is placed in the arm or hand and sedation medication is given through the IV. Also known as twilight sedation, you are asleep and unaware of the procedure when it’s taking place (local anesthesia is still also used during IV sedation). No breathing tubes are placed for IV sedation. You will not be able to drive yourself home, so having a responsible adult able to drive you is required. Furthermore, you will be required to be NPO (nothing by mouth) for 8 hours prior to your procedure – this means no food or drink in the 8 hours leading up to your procedure.  

On the day of your procedure, one of our surgical assistants will bring you back to our surgical suite. If proceeding with IV sedation, we will confirm that you have had nothing to eat or drink, and that any final questions or concerns are addressed. We will attach you to monitors to track your vitals before, during, and after the procedure. You can expect to spend about an hour with us, between getting you back to the surgical suite, removing the teeth, and, if sedated, recovering from sedation. As a reminder, if proceeding with IV sedation, it is required to have an adult be present to drive you to and from your appointment and care for you.  

What to expect after wisdom teeth surgery? 

It is normal for the patient to be lethargic for the remainder of the day. The patient will be biting on gauze to help control and stop the bleeding from the sockets. A slow ooze of blood is normal for the first 24-48 hours after your procedure. Post-operative instructions are given and explained on the day of the procedure so that you feel comfortable with post operative care before you leave our office. If any questions or concerns arise, please call our office.  

All surgery does carry potential risks. The risks associated with wisdom teeth removal will be reviewed in detail at your consultation. Not every patient will have all the same risks, however some may include:  

• Damage to the sensory nerve - this nerve can be at risk with the lower wisdom teeth. This nerve gives sensation to the lower jaw, lip, chin, and the anterior gums. Some numbness can be expected immediately post-op; however it typically resolves on its own in the first couple of weeks. While rare, it is possible to have permanent nerve damage. Patients at higher risk for nerve damage will be advised on this at their consultation.  
• Sinus communication - this is a risk for the upper wisdom teeth. A sinus communication is when a small hole in the sinus occurs from the tooth going through the sinus wall, leaving an open connection between the mouth and the sinus.  If this occurs, the patient will be informed and put on sinus precautions to help the area heal. Typically, a sinus communication will heal on its own. On rare occasions, an additional procedure may be necessary to repair the hole.  
• Dry socket is the most common risk associated with wisdom teeth removal. After extraction of the wisdom teeth, a blood clot forms, like how a scab forms on the skin. Dry socket occurs when the blood clot becomes dislodged prematurely from the extraction site, leaving bone exposed and causing a dull, throbbing pain. Smoking, certain medications, spitting, using straws, and bad hygiene can all cause dry sockets. Additional medication or a special dressing might be needed to help alleviate pain.  
• Infection can occur after any surgery. Common symptoms of infection include increased swelling and pain, discolored oozing from the surgical site, a bad taste/smell in the mouth, and fever. In the event that you develop an infection, antibiotics will be prescribed to help manage it. Complications from infection are possible, and additional surgical procedures may be needed to help clear the infection.   

Frequently Asked Questions

when should I get my wisdom teeth out? 

It is recommended to be evaluated between the ages of 15-19, as the wisdom teeth are still developing and some risks can be mitigated if removed at this age. However, wisdom teeth can be removed later in life.  

how should I keep my mouth clean? 

we will prescribe you an antiseptic mouthrinse that is equivalent to brushing your teeth – you will use this rinse twice a day for the first week.  

what will my diet be like after surgery? 

soft foods will be your friend. ice cream, smoothies (no straws!) will be your friend. avoid any foods that may be sharp in your mouth (chips), as this could harm your extraction sites. you can start to progress your diet gradually as you tolerate it.  

how can I avoid dry socket? 

taking the time to recover after surgery and not rushing to get back to normal activity will be essential in avoiding dry socket. avoid smoking, spitting, and using straws, as these all risk developing dry socket.