Wisdom teeth removals are some of the most common procedures our surgeons perform at Alexandria Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center, and we offer the procedure at all three of our offices in Alexandria, LA.
The procedure itself is outpatient and typically takes less than two hours to complete. Usually, patients are back to their regular routines after just a few days, and the tooth sockets will heal completely over the next 10–14 days. The entire treatment process involves one consultation appointment, the removal procedure, and a brief recovery period.
The Consultation
Before continuing with treatment, your oral surgeon will perform a thorough examination of your mouth. If additional scans or X-rays are needed, your surgeon will take scans to get a better view of your wisdom teeth and determine whether or not they need to be removed. During the consultation, you’ll have a chance to ask questions and discuss your anesthesia options. You will also be given instructions for your post-operative care.
The Procedure
During the wisdom teeth removal procedure, most patients undergo IV anesthesia, which allows them to sleep comfortably throughout the procedure. Once your chosen anesthetic is administered, your surgeon will expose the wisdom tooth by lifting any gum and bone tissue out of the way. If the tooth is larger, your surgeon may break it into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove. After all the teeth are extracted, sutures will be placed, and you will be given time to rest until the anesthesia wears off.
Post-Op Care
After surgery, you will need a ride home from a responsible adult. You will also need someone to stay with you while you rest and recover, especially for the first few hours. Your oral surgeon will give you post-operative instructions on how to care for your surgical sites. You may have to adhere to a soft foods diet for a few days, so stock up on nutritious soft foods, such as applesauce, soups, yogurts, and pasta.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Alexandria, LA
Our oral surgeons are trained to extract wisdom teeth safely and efficiently. If you or your child is in need of a wisdom tooth extraction near Alexandria, LA contact one of our offices to schedule a consultation today.