Wisdom teeth removal
We understand your fears and concerns.
We’re your team of dedicated oral surgeons in Calgary for wisdom tooth extractions. It’s our goal to keep you feeling safe and comfortable throughout your experience
with us.
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Less fear, more comfort
A promise from Mission Oral Surgery team
Our number one priority is you – your health, your safety, and your comfort.
That is why patients are encouraged to schedule a consultation first, where our team will answer your questions and give you all the information you need about your upcoming wisdom tooth extraction
appointment.
Having the information and getting to know your compassionate dental team will help you feel more at ease during your procedure.
Here, you will find comfort when you need it most.
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What you need to know
The most common reason for wisdom teeth removal is due to a lack of space. There’s either not enough room for them to come into the mouth at all, or there’s just not enough space to be able to take care of them properly. Without proper care, these teeth can decay or become infected.
Decay or infection is another reason to have these teeth out. In some cases, it’s simply not an option to fill or crown the teeth if you have gum disease or dental decay.
Issues with wisdom teeth can lead to problems with adjacent teeth. To avoid all these potential issues, the best option for your overall dental health is to have them removed by an oral surgeon in Calgary.
What happens during the extraction?
If you’re being sedated, you’ll need an adult to drive you to and from your appointment.
The appointment will take approximately 30-60 minutes, depending on the number of teeth being removed.
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You can expect to be in the office for around two hours between preparation, sedation, surgery and while you come out of sedation.
Your teeth and gums will be numb during the procedure. Once your teeth are removed, your oral surgeon may need to place stitches. The stitches will dissolve within seven to ten days after your surgery.
Before Anesthesia
Investment in your quality of life.
- Nothing to eat or drink past midnight the night prior to surgery
- A responsible adult must accompany the patient to the office, remain in the office during the procedure, and drive the patient home.
- The patient should not drive a vehicle or operate any machinery for 24 hours following anesthesia.
- Please wear loose-fitting clothing with sleeves which can be rolled up past the elbow, and low-heeled shoes.
- Contact lenses, jewelry, and dentures must be removed at the time of surgery.
- Do not wear lipstick, excessive makeup, or nail polish on the day of surgery.
- If you have an illness such as a cold, sore throat, stomach or upset bowels, please notify the office.
- If you take routine oral medications, please check with Dr. Edwards and Dr. Goos prior to your surgical date for instructions.
After care for wisdom teeth removal
After your appointment, you can diminish some of your discomfort by:
- Applying an ice pack to your face
- Avoiding smoking
- Avoiding drinking through a straw (can cause dry socket)
- Taking prescribed antibiotics and/or painkillers
- The day after surgery, gargling or very gently swishing with warm saltwater
Your comfort comes first for our Calgary oral surgeons
We know that the thought of wisdom teeth extraction can overwhelm some patients. That is why we take pride in keeping you fully informed every step of the way.
From the initial diagnosis, through treatment planning and implementation, we walk you through it all and make sure you are completely comfortable with every step.
If your dentist has suggested a wisdom teeth removal for you, please feel free to either call our office or use our online scheduler to plan a consultation with our team so we can learn how we can make your appointment the most comfortable.
Frequently asked questions about wisdom teeth removal post-surgery care
Is bleeding normal after wisdom teeth removal?
A certain amount of bleeding is to be expected following surgery. Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is not uncommon. Upon arriving at home, remove the gauze and leave out unless excessive bleeding is present. Excessive bleeding is when upon opening, your mouth begins to fill. Placing a gauze pad over the area and biting firmly for thirty minutes. Repeat if necessary. If bleeding continues, bite on a moistened black tea bag for thirty minutes. The tannic acid in the black tea helps to form a clot by contracting bleeding vessels.
To minimize further bleeding, do not become excited, sit upright, and avoid exercise. If bleeding does not subside, call our office for further instructions.
How can I manage or reduce the swelling?
The swelling that is normally expected is usually proportional to the surgery involved. Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes, and sides of the face is not uncommon. This is the body’s normal reaction to surgery and eventual repair.
The swelling will not become apparent until the day following surgery and will not reach its maximum until 2-3 days post-operatively. However, the swelling may be minimized by the immediate use of ice packs. Two baggies filled with ice, or ice packs should be applied to the sides of the face where surgery was performed. Apply ice directly to your face in 20-minute intervals for the first 24-48 hours. You may begin applying heat 4-5 days post surgery to help relax the muscles. After 36 hours, ice has no beneficial effect. If swelling or jaw stiffness has persisted for several days, there is no cause for alarm. This is a normal reaction to surgery.
Thirty-six hours following surgery, the application of moist heat to the sides of the face is beneficial in reducing the size of the swelling.
Skin Discoloration
In some cases, discolouration of the skin follows swelling. The development of black, blue, green, or yellow discolouration is due to blood spreading beneath the tissues. This is a normal post-operative occurrence, which may occur 2-3 days post-operatively. Moist heat applied to the area may speed up the removal of the discolouration.
What do I do if the sutures move out of place?
Sutures are placed in the area of surgery to minimize postoperative bleeding and to help healing. Sometimes they become dislodged. This is no cause for alarm. Just remove the suture from your mouth and discard it. The sutures will dissolve approximately one week after surgery.
Is nausea and vomiting normal after wisdom teeth removal?
What can I eat after the procedure?
After general anesthetic or IV sedation only soft foods should be consumed. Drink from a glass and do not use straws. The sucking motion can cause more bleeding by dislodging the blood clot. You may eat anything soft by chewing away from the surgical sites. A high calorie, high protein intake is very important. Our staff can provide suggested diet instructions. Nourishment should be taken regularly. You should prevent dehydration by taking fluids regularly. Your food intake will be limited for the first few days. You should compensate for this by increasing your fluid intake. At least 5-6 glasses of liquid should be taken daily. Try not to miss any meals. You will feel better, have more strength, less discomfort and heal faster if you continue to eat.
CAUTION: If you suddenly sit up or stand from a lying position you may become dizzy. If you are lying down following surgery, make sure you sit up for one minute before standing.
Can I rinse or brush my teeth after surgery?
No rinsing of any kind should be performed until the day following surgery. The day after surgery you should begin rinsing with a teaspoon of salt mixed into one cup of warm water.
Brushing your teeth is okay – just be gentle at the surgical sites.
Do I have to take antibiotics?
If you have been placed on antibiotics, take the tablets or liquid as directed. Antibiotics will be given to help prevent infection. Discontinue antibiotic use in the event of a rash or any other unfavourable reaction and contact our office immediately. Call the office if you have any questions.
Is numbness and stiffness around the mouth normal?
If numbness of the lip, chin, or tongue occurs there is no cause for alarm. As reviewed in your consultation, this is usually temporary in nature. You should be aware that if your lip or tongue is numb, you could bite it and not feel the sensation.
Stiffness (Trismus) of the jaw muscles may cause difficulty in opening your mouth for a few days following surgery. This is a normal post-operative event which will resolve in time.
Call Drs. Edwards and Goos if you have any questions.
My temperature is higher than usual. Is a fever part of the recovery?
Slight elevation of temperature immediately following surgery is not uncommon. If the temperature persists, notify the office.
Other complications
You should be careful going from the lying down position to standing. You could get light headed from low blood sugar or medications. Before standing up, you should sit for one minute before getting up.
Occasionally, patients may feel hard projections in the mouth with their tongue. They are not roots; they are the bony walls which supported the tooth. These projections usually smooth out spontaneously. If not, they can be removed by Drs. Edwards and Goos.
If the corners of your mouth are stretched, they may dry out and crack. Your lips should be kept moist with an ointment such as Vaseline.
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