Wisdom teeth removals are some of the most common oral surgery procedures we perform at Amarillo Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. The procedure itself is usually only between one and two hours long. After surgery, most patients are back to their normal schedules within a couple of days, although the extraction sites may take one to two weeks to heal completely.
Oral Exam
Your treatment process will start with a comprehensive oral exam, where one of our oral surgeons will review your case, take any additional scans if necessary, and help determine whether or not your wisdom teeth need to be removed. If your wisdom teeth need removal, your oral surgeon will form a treatment plan for your tooth extraction. During your oral exam and consultation appointment, you can discuss your anesthesia options and any other questions you have with your doctor. You will also receive pre-operative instructions to help prepare you for your upcoming wisdom teeth extraction.
Anesthesia Options
At Amarillo Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, our oral surgeons are trained to administer all forms of outpatient anesthesia. Most wisdom teeth removals are performed using a combination of IV anesthesia and local anesthesia, but your anesthesia choice will depend on your medical history and your preferences. You can learn more about our anesthesia options by contacting our office or reading more on this website.
Surgical Procedure
After your oral exam and consultation, your next appointment will be the surgical appointment. Once the anesthesia has been administered, your oral surgeon will lift the gum tissue to expose the wisdom teeth. Your oral surgeon will then either extract the tooth or first break the tooth into smaller pieces for an easier removal. After the teeth are removed, your oral surgeon will suture the surgical sites and allow you to rest until the anesthesia wears off. Once you awake, your designated driver will be able to take you home.
After Surgery
Your oral surgeon will provide you with instructions for post-operative care. Most patients must maintain a soft foods diet for a couple of days after surgery. It is also very important to keep the surgical sites clean while they are healing. If you have any other questions regarding your post-operative care, contact our office for more information.
For more information about the overall procedure or your pre- or post-operative instructions, contact our office, and one of our staff members would be happy to assist you.
