Third molars (most commonly called wisdom teeth) often make their debut in our late teens or early twenties. For many, this dental milestone comes with a mix of curiosity and concern, bringing about questions and anxiety. Fear not! Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta is here to give you all the details about surgery for wisdom teeth.
Facing the prospect of wisdom tooth removal can be daunting, but understanding the recovery process can significantly ease your concerns. At Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta, we prepare our patients for recovery after wisdom tooth removal before surgery. We want you to feel completely ready and comfortable when you come for your appointment.
Wisdom teeth are also called third molars because they are literally the third and last set of molars to develop. Most people have four wisdom teeth, two on each arch. However, some people never develop these large molars, while others have fewer than four.
Our prehistoric ancestors needed third molars to chew and digest hard foods like bark, nuts, and roots. In modern society, we consume a much softer diet. Not only are third molars unnecessary now, but they can create problems ranging from pain to infection.
If your wisdom teeth are impacted, they may never emerge from the gums. Impacted wisdom teeth often grow at an angle and push against neighboring teeth roots, which can damage second molars.
As a guideline but not a hard rule, Drs. Aiken and Shessel recommend wisdom teeth extraction for patients in their late teens or early twenties. The procedure poses the least risk and the most prompt and complete recovery for this demographic.
In this age group, the bone around wisdom teeth is somewhat soft, and third molars are developed enough for safe extraction. Furthermore, young adults may not yet have experienced the shifting of teeth that’s common with wisdom tooth eruption.
It’s not essential to have wisdom teeth extracted if they cause no problems. However, there are many good reasons to remove third molars. These include:
Jaw pain and headaches
Jaw stiffness
Tooth impaction
Damage to neighboring teeth roots
High incidence of decay
Gum disease around the tooth
Mouth too small to accommodate third molars
Orthodontic issues develop
To prevent potential future oral health problems
As respected oral surgeons in the Atlanta and Dunwoody areas, Drs. Aiken and Shessel have removed over 40,000 wisdom teeth! They have the procedure down to a fine science.
Your X-rays will help the oral surgeon diagnose a need for extraction. They also provide complete visualization of the jawbone, the third molars, and surrounding teeth and nerves.
If you need wisdom teeth removed, first the surgeon will administer anesthetic, nitrous oxide, and/or possibly sedation. (You’ll talk with the surgeon prior to surgery to determine whether sedation will be used.) To remove un-erupted teeth, an incision is made in the gums, and access is created in the jawbone so that the surgeon can reach the tooth.
A large third molar may be sectioned before removal. Average-sized and smaller wisdom teeth may be removed whole. The surgeon will use dental pliers to remove the tooth and all of its roots. You should feel pressure, but not pain, as the tooth is extracted. In total, the surgery can take up to 20 minutes; complex cases may take longer.
Next, the extraction site may be stitched with dissolving sutures to promote healing, while also protecting the site from food particles that could lead to infection. A stitch is not always necessary.
We will pack the site with a dressing, which should be changed when soaked through. Biting down on the dressing will help staunch bleeding.
A blood clot needs to form at the extraction site. Be careful not to dislodge the clot! Some, but not all, patients will need a prescription for antibiotics to take before or after the procedure.
No. Our oral surgeons are trained to provide three levels of pain management drugs. You can opt for:
Local Anesthesia
Nitrous Oxide
General Anesthesia
After the procedure, your oral surgeon recommends an injection of Exparel at the surgical site for excellent post-operative pain management. A single dose of this non-opioid drug controls pain for a few days post-surgery, when patients need it most.
In addition, you’ll avoid the potential negative effects of opioids, including nausea, vomiting, constipation, and the risk of addiction. Exparel will control pain at the surgical site, instead of affecting your entire body as opioids do.
Fill all of your prescriptions before your surgery date. Your oral surgeon may prescribe special mouthwash to use a few days prior to your surgical appointment to reduce bad bacteria in the mouth. You may also receive a prescription for antibiotics. The surgeon will instruct you on how and when to take the antibiotics.
Schedule a few days off work for the procedure and recovery. If you hold a job that requires physical exertion, like carrying over 10 pounds or activity that elevates your heart rate, you will need to take more than a few days off. The surgeon will provide guidelines for you to follow.
Prepare your recovery area on a bed or sofa with pillows. You’ll need to elevate your head for the first day or two, to help reduce swelling. Stock the area with your TV remote, tablet, books, and other low-energy activity supplies to entertain yourself while recovering.
Stock your fridge and pantry with soft foods, like yogurt, ice cream, smoothies, broth, and mashed potatoes. You’ll start with these foods, then add soups, pasta, oatmeal, etc. Within the first four or five days, you can resume your regular diet.
For the first 48-72 hours, your mouth and cheek may be swollen, bruised, and tender or painful. Ice wrapped in cloth should be applied on the cheek over the surgical site to reduce swelling and pain.
If you opt for an Exparel injection, you’ll experience much less discomfort. If you did not get the injection, the surgeon will instruct you on how to use an over-the-counter NSAID for pain relief. Also, keep your head elevated for 24 hours, even while sleeping. This helps swelling subside.
Consume only soft foods, plenty of water, and nothing hot. Chew foods on the side of your mouth opposite from the extraction site.
About 24 hours post-surgery, you should gently rinse your mouth with mouthwash. After 48 hours, you may gently brush your teeth but do not disrupt the surgical site.
As the pain subsides and the blood clot dissolves, you can resume regular brushing and flossing. Do not use teeth whitening systems during recovery. You may wear your night guard or TMJ appliance if it doesn’t interfere with the surgical site.
You may have a sore jaw for about a week, as well as an unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth. Some patients experience numbness and tingling on the face, tongue, and lips, though this side effect is rare.
Don’t use a straw, smoke, or touch the blood clots that form on the surgical sites. These clots are part of your body’s natural healing process. Leave them in place.
The first few days after surgery, you’ll need to relax, rest, and ice your face. Don’t lift over 10 lbs., which means in addition to not carrying groceries in from the car, don’t hold children or pets during this period.
If you experience pain in the very back of your dental arches, if you find cleaning your third molars to be difficult, if they develop significant decay, or if you want to avoid potential issues with your wisdom teeth, call Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta at 404-846-4793. We have office locations in Dunwoody and Atlanta.
We are also happy to provide second opinions regarding wisdom teeth removal and other oral surgeries.
You’ve come to the right place!
We’re going to give you some tips on how to avoid dry sockets after wisdom teeth extractions. But first, let’s start with the basics.
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars and the last set of permanent teeth to erupt, usually during a person’s late teens or early twenties. Oftentimes due to partial eruption, oral surgery to extract wisdom teeth can save a person from symptoms associated with poor hygiene, usually pain and swelling of the surrounding gum tissue as well as dental decay.
While the extraction procedure is a routine surgery, one common problem is the development of dry sockets after wisdom tooth removal. A dry socket occurs when the blood clot covering the extraction site becomes dislodged. This exposes the socket and nerves to air, food, and bacteria.
Dry sockets can range in severity, but can be quite painful. Actions like spitting, swishing really hard, and sucking through a straw (especially on the day of the surgery) can loosen the blood clot, as can suction.
At Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta, you can look forward to a relatively comfortable experience with our highly skilled oral surgeons. Schedule a consultation to discuss the procedure and to learn about dental anesthesia options for optimal comfort.
We have office locations in Dunwoody and Atlanta.
The number one sign of a dry socket is continued throbbing pain starting 3-5 days following wisdom tooth removal, when you should be improving on a daily basis. Additional symptoms include:
A socket that appears empty (indicating the loss of the blood clot)
Visible bone
Bad breath
Foul taste
Radiating pain in your eye, ear, or temple
You will likely experience some discomfort following an extraction, but continued throbbing pain could indicate a dry socket.
If you experience any of those symptoms, call Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta.
We want you to understand what to expect post-surgery, before coming in for your wisdom tooth extraction. Here are a few tips to help you avoid dry sockets so you can recover quickly after your procedure.
One of the most common causes of dry sockets is suction from straws. Suction in the oral cavity can easily dislodge the blood clot and expose your nerves. Wait until your extraction site has healed for about 7 days before ordering a drink with a straw.
To promote proper healing, eat the right foods. Soft, easy-to-chew favorites like mashed potatoes and gravy, yogurt, smoothies, applesauce, and broth are all excellent meal options while you’re on the mend. Crunchy treats like nuts and popcorn can dislodge your blood clot and irritate your socket, so stick with a soft diet.
You should always maintain a good oral hygiene routine, but proper dental home care is even more essential during recovery after wisdom tooth surgery. Our expert staff will provide you with instructions on proper brushing techniques after extraction, so you can keep your smile healthy. Please ask questions any time, when you are in the office or after your appointment (by phone or email).
You will receive a syringe to take home after the procedure. Wait 5 days to make sure a blood clot has formed, then use the syringe to gently rinse food particles from in and around the socket. Prior to using the syringe, you should rinse with salt water after meals, starting the day after surgery. This will prevent debris and bacteria from irritating the extraction site or loosening the clot.
If you’re not feeling your best on the day of your wisdom tooth removal surgery, the best choice is to reschedule. Sneezing and coughing may upset your blood clot, and healing may be slower if you are trying to recover from an additional illness.
The best way to heal your body is to rest. Make sure you sleep after your surgery, with your head raised on a pillow. Try to avoid talking too much in the first 24 hours. Exercising can raise your heart rate and cause bleeding complications, so wait to hit the gym until after you’re healed.
Greater than average trauma during wisdom tooth surgery can lead to a dry socket later on. It’s important to see an oral surgeon you trust. Our team is not only experienced, but we take every precaution to ensure our patients’ comfort and care. We do everything in our power to achieve optimum treatment results.
Luckily, only 2-5% of patients develop a dry socket after a wisdom tooth procedure. Minimize your chances by discussing risk factors with our surgeons prior to the extraction. Risk factors include, but aren’t limited to:
Smoking or tobacco use. Not only can the sucking action of smoking a cigarette disrupt the blood clot, but the chemicals in tobacco products can constrict blood vessels and slow down your recovery.
Poor oral hygiene. Continue to brush and floss regularly following your extraction, but only when cleared by our surgeon. Use the provided syringe, as noted earlier in this article, for cleaning. Gum or tooth infection resulting from poor dental care can complicate the healing process.
Improper at-home care. Failure to follow your surgeon’s instructions can lead to a dry socket. We will make sure to explain and provide in writing the necessary care procedures for recovery, before you leave our office.
Previous dry sockets. If you’ve had a dry socket after a previous extraction, let our surgeon know. You may be more likely to develop one again.
Medications. Certain medications like blood thinners or birth control can also increase your risk of developing a dry socket, so be sure to inform our surgeon of all the medications you are currently taking.
Drink 8 glasses of water per day, or more, after surgery. Staying hydrated facilitates healing, so you can resume your normal routine as soon as possible. Avoid caffeinated, carbonated, and alcoholic beverages.
Gently rinsing out your mouth with salt water a few times a day can help keep the extraction site clean and speed up recovery. Spit out the water gently because forceful spitting can disrupt your blood clot.
For further reading, see our post-operative instructions after wisdom teeth removal.
If you do develop a dry socket after your wisdom tooth removal, don’t panic. Dry sockets typically last for 4-5 days, but the pain should begin to subside by around 8-10 days after surgery.
Strategies for treating a dry socket include:
Flushing the socket with saline solution
Using a medicated gauze application into the socket
Taking over-the-counter painkillers (600-800mg Ibuprofen is the most effective, if you are able to take it)
The best thing to do if you have a dry socket is to call us so we can discuss the initial course of treatment with you. It’s possible that you may need to come into the office for us to evaluate the situation and discuss additional treatment options with you.
If you need wisdom teeth removed, do your part to avoid a dry socket. At Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta, our compassionate team will go above and beyond to make sure you feel completely comfortable.
Dr. Andrew Aiken and Dr. Drew Shessel are trained to administer several different anesthesia techniques for your optimal comfort. To schedule a consultation or a second opinion contact us online or call our office at 404-738-5659 or our Dunwoody office at (470) 300-2616 today!
Here’s an interesting topic that’s currently circulating in news outlets -- getting your wisdom teeth removed can possibly enhance your sense of taste! Can it be true? Is it a myth?
Join our Atlanta-based oral surgeons as we dive into this popular topic. First, let’s talk briefly about wisdom teeth removal.
Regardless of whether your wisdom teeth erupted normally above the gumline or they are impacted (stuck) below the gumline, you may benefit from getting them removed.
The doctors at Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta may recommend wisdom teeth removal early (usually during the mid to late teens) even if they haven’t begun to emerge from the gums yet. Why get wisdom teeth removed during the teenage years, you ask?
The removal process is generally safer if wisdom teeth are removed early because the roots of the teeth are not fully developed.
Younger patients are more likely to experience a quick recovery after surgery.
Early removal may prevent the potential injury to a nerve that runs through the lower jaw.
Lastly, some patients often wonder whether or not they need impacted wisdom teeth removed. If you have impacted wisdom teeth, it is always best to be evaluated by an experienced oral surgeon.
So you already know that getting your wisdom teeth removed can be beneficial, but can your sense of taste be impacted, too?
A recent study claims that your sense of taste can slightly improve from the time someone removes their wisdom teeth up until approximately 20 years later (source). This interesting finding debunks previous research.
The researchers of the Penn Medicine study highlight the fact that further studies are needed to understand why the phenomena occurs and also to understand its implications in a clinical setting. Further studies would also help to determine which mechanisms are at play when it comes to your sense of taste improving after wisdom teeth extraction.
We’ll just have to wait and see what future researchers figure out, but in the meantime, let’s jump back into learning more about wisdom tooth extractions, specifically pain.
If you’re worried about the pain often associated with pulling wisdom teeth out, we have the solution...dental sedation.
Drs. Aiken and Shessel have been extensively trained to administer hospital-level anesthesia. Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta offer multiple dental sedation options, including:
Local anesthesia
Nitrous oxide
General anesthesia
To learn more about oral sedation, visit our webpage here.
If you’re experiencing problems with your wisdom teeth or if you’re at the recommended age of 15 to get your wisdom teeth evaluated by an oral surgeon, now is the best time to schedule an appointment.
Patients of Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta trust our oral surgeons, as evidenced by our patient reviews. If you need your wisdom teeth removed, call Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta for an appointment. We have office locations for wisdom teeth removal in Atlanta and Dunwoody.
We look forward to meeting you.
The dreaded wisdom teeth removal, dental implant surgery, bone grafting….it all sounds pretty scary, and the truth is it’s no joke. Viral videos of loopy patients and pain filled recoveries are all too common.
But is there hope for a better experience?
If you’re in need of oral surgery in the Atlanta area, you are in luck! The team and doctors at Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta are trained and ready to make your experience as quick and painless as possible.
They offer a variety of oral surgery procedures that will fit many of your needs.
Wisdom Teeth Removal: wisdom teeth are something that just about everyone has, but rarely are they found to be beneficial for healthy function. According to the ADA and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, everyone should have their wisdom teeth evaluated. Our belief is that most patients should have their wisdom teeth removed to prevent pain, damage to their adjacent teeth, possible infection, as well as other potential risks that may arise.
Dental Implants: everything from single tooth replacement to All-on-4 dental implants offer a great, convenient and functional solution to missing teeth.
Bone Grafting: Bone grafts fill sockets, build bone for dental implant placement, and stabilize existing teeth after either disease, or a missing tooth has caused bone loss in the mouth.
Oral Pathology: Oral pathology refers to diseases that may develop inside the oral cavity, jaws, or salivary glands. These can cause issues to both your dentition as well as to your overall oral health and should be addressed by a professional.
Impacted Tooth Exposure Treatment: oftentimes patients require surgery to assist their dentist or orthodontist complete their prescribed treatment plan. Typically, this is done through a procedure known as exposure and bonding.
Pre-Prosthetic Exposure: This procedure may be necessary to prepare your mouth, gum, or jaw structure for dentures. This may include smoothing, reshaping, removal of excess tissue or bone, or exposure of impacted teeth. It is a necessary procedure often overlooked before dental prosthetics are placed.
Pain is the most common fear when discussing dental procedures and particularly oral surgery. Our team is very aware of this concern and we work hard to minimize the unpleasantry of surgery while ensuring that each patient is as comfortable as possible before, during and after their procedure.
We offer the following types of anesthesia:
Local anesthesia: consists of “One or more injections near the site of each extraction” (Mayo Clinic, 2021) after the gum is numbed (typically by a numbing gel) in order to minimize the pain from the shot.
Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) anesthesia: this type of anesthesia is used for many of our awake procedures. It is an inhaled gas through your nose which serves to reduce pain and anxiety during the procedure.
Intravenous/Deep sedation anesthesia: this type of anesthesia is administered through an intravenous (IV) line in your arm. This suppresses the consciousness so that you “drift off to sleep” and pain is not felt during the procedure. The patient is fully monitored as they would be in the operating room, only in our office they are still breathing on their own. Memory of the procedure is limited, and our patients typically have an excellent experience.
If you need oral and facial surgery, the team at Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta are here for you. A consultation is a great place to start for questions or curiosity of a certain procedure. Our surgeons will be happy to help and provide you with all the comfort you need to keep your mouth happy and healthy.
It’s time for the dreaded wisdom teeth to come out. It's a little scary, but the surgery will be quick and relatively painless. Let's talk about the recovery. It's not always easy, but it's completely doable.
A number of patients report a sore throat after their wisdom tooth extraction surgery, but it won’t be the end of the world.
This pain is caused by swollen muscles that are in close proximity to the extraction site. It’s usually caused by a slight infection, but isn’t serious unless the pain persists for weeks or more. It should only linger for about 3 days after the surgery.
But until the pain subsides there are things you can do! Your sore throat after your wisdom tooth surgery is completely normal and you can have it subside in no time with some simple remedies.
Gargling salt water is a remedy for most any mouth pain. It contains natural healing properties that soothes pain and reduces inflammation. It also tends to speed up the healing process and remove bacteria.
Dentists and doctors recommend rinsing the mouth with ½ teaspoon of salt mixed into a cup of warm water. Because salt water is all natural, this method can be applied as many times as needed.
However, when spitting out the water, be careful not to apply too much force. This can create dry sockets in the mouth and lead to further issues. Be gentle as you rinse and spit.
A sore throat after oral surgery is typically due to swelling. In order to decrease swelling, a cold compress or ice pack can be applied to the throat...20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off until the swelling goes down is recommended. Popsicles, ice cream, or other cold treats can also ease the pain internally and add a little sweetness to the recovery process.
Teas such as chamomile or peppermint can greatly soothe a sore throat. Being careful not to make the tea harmfully hot, this can be a quick and simple remedy. Water and other gentle, non-citrus fluids are helpful to keep the throat hydrated and flush out bacteria.
Both lemon and honey also have natural soothing properties that can ease a sore throat. While these are both very helpful to healing the side effects of a mouth surgery, overuse could cause problems on the surgery site. As always, it is important to monitor and use moderation when using these ingredients.
Try to eat at typical meal times, but choose soft foods that will go down easily and won’t get stuck in your throat or hurt the healing wound. Foods like yogurt, soup, and ice cream can benefit and even help soothe a sore throat.
While it is normal to have a sore throat for a few days after a tooth extraction, it could be cause for concern if the pain and soreness persists more than a week or if it hinders your ability to speak.
While long term issues are very rare, and sore throats after surgery can end up being completely unrelated anyway, this pain is not something that should be ignored just in case.
At this point, you should contact your doctor or dentist. They’re always happy to help!
Your throat should be ready for talking and your mouth should be ready for eating again a few days after your tooth extraction. In the meantime, enjoy as much ice cream and popsicles as possible and rest that mouth! You will be back and ready to take your life back in no time!
NOTE: here are our post-operative instructions after wisdom tooth removal.
Are you experiencing a sore throat after a tooth extraction? At Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta, we understand. While unfortunately painful and uncomfortable, this is completely normal and there is no need for alarm.
Sore throats are typical after oral procedures and extractions because of the proximity of the throat muscles to the extraction site. They are especially prevalent after wisdom tooth removal. But never fear! Your throat will be back to normal in no time (typically 2-3 days).
There are some preventative steps that patients can take to hopefully decrease post-surgery sore throat. This simply includes oral care such as brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash daily. Avoiding smoking can also reduce the chance of a sore throat after a dental visit.
So, while this is normal, it's still not comfortable. Until it subsides, let’s take a look at specifically why these muscles get so angry after a tooth extraction and some practical ways to ease this pesky side effects.
Gargling salt water is a remedy for most any mouth pain. It contains natural healing properties that soothes pain and reduces inflammation. It also tends to speed up the healing process and remove bacteria.
Dentists and doctors recommend rinsing the mouth with ½ teaspoon of salt mixed into a cup of warm water. Because salt water is all natural, this method can be applied as many times as needed.
However, when spitting out the water, be careful not to apply too much force. This can create dry sockets in the mouth and lead to further issues. Be gentle as you rinse and spit.
A sore throat after oral surgery is typically due to swelling. In order to decrease swelling, a cold compress or ice pack can be applied to the throat. 20 minutes on and then 20 minutes off until the swelling goes down is recommended.
Popsicles, ice cream, or other cold treats can also ease the pain internally and add a little sweetness to the recovery process.
Teas such as chamomile or peppermint can greatly sooth a sore throat. Being careful not to make the tea harmfully hot. This can be a quick and simple remedy. Water and other gentle, non-citrus fluids are helpful to keep the throat hydrated and flush out bacteria.
Both lemon and honey also have natural soothing properties that can ease a sore throat. While these are both very helpful to healing the side effects of a mouth surgery, overuse could cause problems on the surgery site. As always, it is important to monitor and use moderation when using these ingredients.
Try to eat at typical meal times, but choose soft foods that will go down easily and won’t get stuck in your throat or hurt the healing wound. Foods like yogurt, soup, and ice cream can benefit and even help soothe a sore throat.
While it is normal to have a sore throat for a few days after a tooth extraction, it could be cause for concern if the pain and soreness persists more than a week or if it hinders your ability to speak.
At this point, you should contact our dentists here at Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta. We don’t want pain to get to the point of becoming a problem. While long-term issues are very rare, and sore throats after surgery can end up being completely unrelated anyway, this pain is not something that should be ignored just in case.
Call our office with any questions or concerns you may have. In this case, better safe than sorry!
Your throat should be ready for talking and your mouth should be ready for eating again a few days after your tooth extraction. In the meantime, enjoy as much ice cream and popsicles as possible and enjoy your rest. You deserve it!
[Note: for detailed pre- and post-operative instructions from Oral Surgery Specialists of Atlanta, click here.]
