Oral Surgery FAQ

Wisdom Teeth – Frequently Asked Questions

In Need of Exceptional Oral Surgery Care?

Advances in the field of oral surgery have made surgery procedures much simpler. Wisdom Oral Surgery & Dental Implants provides excellent care with great patient outcomes.
Call us: 408-723-4080

Does everyone have to get his or her wisdom teeth removed?

No, but most people do. From time to time, we see a patient whose wisdom teeth appear to have fit nicely in the mouth and thus don’t need removal, but they are still prone to disease and must be monitored for life.

When is the best time to get wisdom teeth removed?

Between the ages of 15-21, before the roots have fully developed and entwined themselves in the nerves located in the jawbone, making removal much more complicated. It’s important to note that extracting wisdom teeth during root development reduces the risk of complications.

Do all four teeth have to be pulled?

Sometimes we only need to remove one or two, and sometimes three or four. We will assess your case thoroughly to determine the best course of action.

Will I have swelling?

Each case is different but as long as you ice the area and sleep with the head of the bed slightly inclined it will minimize the swelling.

What can I eat after the extractions?

Any soft food diet is recommended. Stay away from anything hot in temperature and crunchy food items for 1 week.

Will I get stitches (sutures)?

Each case is different. If sutures are used, they will dissolve on their own within 2-3 weeks.

Is it true that the surgery takes less than an hour?

Most often, yes! The length of your procedure depends on the number of teeth we are removing, the severity of impaction, and several other factors. However, the typical extraction does take less than an hour, and we will keep you comfortable the whole time.

How long does recovery take after wisdom teeth removal?

On the first day of your recovery, you will probably be too sleepy to do much, but most patients are back to their normal activities within 4-5 days. Usually the 2nd and 3rd day post-operatively there might be a spike in discomfort due to post-surgical swelling. Also, most post-operative discomfort is due to the lower wisdom teeth as they are the ones that accumulate most food debris due to gravity. The upper wisdom teeth recover more quickly.

Does it hurt to have your wisdom teeth removed?

During the procedure, you won’t feel a thing. However, you may have soreness for a few days following the surgery as the anesthesia wears off. We will discuss pain control methods and set you up with any necessary prescriptions ahead of time so that you remain comfortable at home as well.

Will I be awake for the extraction?

We have a variety of levels of anesthesia to accommodate different patients’ needs. We will discuss your anesthesia preferences prior to your surgery day.

What does “impacted” mean?

Impacted wisdom teeth are those that are not able to fully erupt through the gums. It is a very common condition, and the number one reason that wisdom teeth end up needing removal. In fact, 9 out of 10 people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth. Impaction refers to any part of the tooth that is under the gums/bone.

What is “dry socket”?

Dry socket is a temporary complication that arises when a blood clot becomes dislodged from the extraction site, exposing tissue. The condition can be painful, but luckily most cases can be avoided by following home-care instructions including the avoidance of straws and smoking.

If you have any questions or concerns about an upcoming wisdom tooth appointment, we urge you to give us a call – let us set your mind at ease.


Dental Implants – Frequently Asked Questions

 

Will I have temporary teeth during the healing phase?

If the implant site is near the front of your mouth, we have a variety of temporary options such as bridges and transitional implants to get you through the healing phase. In some cases, the permanent tooth can even be placed (“loaded”) onto the implant at the same time as surgery.

Do dental implants hurt?

During the surgery, you will be properly anesthetized at all times – you won’t feel a thing! And after surgery, you’ll be relieved to know that most of our patients experience very little, if any, pain that is usually managed well with over-the-counter pain medications. Any necessary prescriptions will be discussed during your visit. Many patients will mention throbbing for the first few days post-operatively.

Do dental implants feel like real teeth?

Yes! Your dental implant will feel, look and operate just like your natural teeth. You will be eating all of the foods that you used to enjoy with your new, permanent tooth before you know it!

Will I need to miss work for dental implant surgery?

Patients typically take anywhere from a few hours to a few days off of work, depending on the type of sedation, the implant site and their pre-op health.

What are single-stage implants?

In some cases, we are able to place the implant and leave the soft tissue surrounding it as is. This way, we can avoid a second surgical procedure to uncover the dental implant during the abutment/restoration stage.

What if I am missing a lot of teeth?

If you are missing many teeth, implant-supported dentures can give you a full arch of prosthetic teeth attached to just a few implants. This option is a great solution for those who need the quantity of teeth provided by a denture, but don’t want the hassle associated with it.

What are the risks and complications associated with dental implants?

Dental implants have a success rate of up to 98% and the procedure has been around for decades, with continual improvements and discoveries made all along the way. The risks are very low, and closely resemble those of other minor surgical procedures (infection, injury to adjacent teeth, etc.).

How long do dental implants last?

Studies have shown that properly placed and well-cared-for dental implants can last as long as 25 years. Advanced technology and experience enable us to give you the very best shot at keeping yours for life! Please note that smoking, poor hygiene, and systemic disease can affect the longevity of the implants.

What can I eat after my dental implant has been placed?

I recommend a soft food diet for the first 2 weeks. After that time frame, there are no restrictions.

When will I have my permanent teeth?

Permanent restorations are placed by your referring dentist as early as 1 and as late as 12 months following implant surgery, depending on your case.

How do I care for my implants?

Care for your implants just like you do your natural teeth: by brushing twice and flossing once daily. Take good care of them and they will take care of you!

Have a question not answered on this page? Please contact us at your convenience. We’re happy to answer all inquiries from current and prospective patients. We look forward to hearing from you.