It’s not uncommon for wisdom teeth to become impacted or come through misaligned, leading to significant dental issues. Wisdom teeth removal is sometimes necessary to ensure good oral health and alleviate pain.

For some, the idea of dental extractions may be frightening or overwhelming. However, the benefits of removing wisdom teeth are plentiful. Here, our team at New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery explains the top benefits of wisdom teeth removal and what you could expect with the procedure. 

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Surrey, BC: What To Know and Expect

Why remove your wisdom teeth? Wisdom teeth removal in Surrey, BC, is sometimes necessary because of impaction or misalignment. These molars can cause several issues due to a lack of jaw space, including infection, swelling, bite problems, and orthodontic issues.

The wisdom tooth removal process typically involves a local anesthetic around the extraction site to prevent pain, and tiny incisions in the gum tissue, if the tooth hasn’t emerged yet. However, if the tooth has come through the gum, the incision may not be necessary. Understanding the process for wisdom tooth removal and its benefits can help patients feel more comfortable about the procedure. 

Top Three Advantages of Removing Wisdom Teeth

If you’re exploring your options, consider these benefits of wisdom tooth removal before making a decision regarding your dental health.

1. Less Risk of Teeth Crowding

When wisdom teeth grow at an angle, they may push into adjacent teeth, which can cause pain. The crowded area at the back of the mouth can also become a breeding ground for bacteria due to trapped food particles. Removing the misaligned teeth can protect neighbouring teeth and reduce the risk of braces if they push your molars out of position over time.

2. Improved Oral Health

One of the oral health benefits of wisdom tooth removal is the reduced risk of cavities and decay. Due to the location of the third molars, they can be tricky to clean thoroughly, leading to trapped food and bacteria. Impacted teeth can also cause gum inflammation and, in some cases, painful infections. 

Taking care of your teeth through daily brushing and flossing may not be enough. Severe impaction cases can trigger infections that spread throughout your body, so wisdom tooth removal may be essential for your oral health in more ways than one.

3. Reduced Pain

Wisdom teeth don’t always cause pain. Yet, when they trigger discomfort, headaches, inflammation, and jaw pain, extraction can bring immediate relief. Although some people experience minimal discomfort after removal, it doesn’t last long. 

Ready To Enjoy Wisdom Teeth Extraction Benefits?

If you’re considering removing your wisdom teeth in Surrey, BC, we can help. New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery specializes in various dental surgeries, including routine and complex extractions. Our certified dental team knows how to accurately evaluate each patient’s dental and oral health and make the most appropriate recommendations to improve smiles. 

When you’re ready to experience the benefits of removing wisdom teeth firsthand, rest assured that you’ll receive compassionate care at our practice. Contact New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery today at (604) 507-0514 to request an appointment. 

Most adults need to have their wisdom teeth removed (the Canadian Dental Association estimates more than 65%), but many people aren’t sure what to expect. One of the most common concerns is how long the wisdom tooth removal process takes.

Generally, the procedure itself is quick, and full recovery takes up to two weeks. If you’re anxious or concerned about an upcoming procedure, knowing the typical timeline can help you feel more confident. 

Common Reasons for Removing Wisdom Teeth in Surrey, BC

Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the last adult teeth to develop, often appearing in the late teens or early twenties. For most people, there isn’t enough jaw space for them, which can cause crowding, pressure on nearby teeth, or damage to surrounding bone. Impacted wisdom teeth may also remain partially or fully embedded beneath the gum line, increasing the risk of infection and swelling. 

When your third molars cause pain, jaw stiffness, cyst formation, or recurring inflammation, your dentist will recommend wisdom teeth removal in Surrey, BC. Addressing these issues early can shorten the wisdom teeth removal process, prevent chronic pain or poor oral health, and reduce complications during healing.

What To Expect When You Have Your Teeth Taken Out

The wisdom teeth removal process starts with a consultation. The doctor will take X-rays to assess the tooth’s position and develop a plan to remove it. Not everyone needs all four teeth removed. 

On procedure day, you’ll receive anesthesia, which could be a local anesthetic, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of your case. Once numbness or sedation takes effect, the actual extraction begins. The surgeon makes a small incision, removes the bone covering the tooth, and extracts it whole or in sections, then closes the site with dissolving stitches.

How Long Does the Surgery Take?

Taking out wisdom teeth is actually the quickest part of the process. The average time for wisdom tooth extraction surgery is about 15 to 30 minutes per tooth. The duration of removing all four wisdom teeth is anywhere from one to two hours.

Several factors affect how long wisdom tooth removal takes. The more impacted the teeth are, the longer the surgery takes, especially if the surgeon has to adjust bone or gum tissue. The tooth angle and root development increase the complexity of the wisdom tooth removal process. 

Recovery Time and What To Expect After Oral Surgery

Most patients rest at home the same day and return to activity within 24 to 48 hours. Fully recovering from impacted wisdom tooth removal may take one to two weeks. Following post-operative instructions helps shorten the timeline for wisdom teeth surgery and lowers the risk of complications.

When To Schedule a Consultation

The wisdom teeth removal process is often faster and more comfortable than you might expect. 

Patients in Surrey, BC, can turn to New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery for personalized care and guidance from start to finish. Call (604) 507-0514 to book a consultation on the wisdom tooth removal process, recovery tips, and when it is safe to eat after tooth removal.

Wisdom tooth removal is among the most common dental surgeries. Although the service is standard, many patients ask, “When can I eat after wisdom tooth extraction?” People need to eat, but it can be difficult after losing one to four teeth. 

We provide wisdom teeth removal in Surrey at New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery. Consult our guide below to learn about eating during your recovery time after having your wisdom teeth removed. 

Do You Have To Stop Eating After Wisdom Teeth Removal?

After removing your wisdom teeth, you’ll experience swelling and pain around your mouth and cheeks. The inflammation and discomfort will make eating difficult, but not impossible.

When asking, “When can I eat after wisdom tooth extraction?” understand that your diet will change as your recovery progresses. You should be able to safely consume liquids and soft foods, such as pudding or broth, within 24 hours of your procedure. 

For days two and three, you can incorporate more filling, easy-to-eat foods into your meals. Options include scrambled eggs, soft pasta, and mashed potatoes. From days four to seven, you can progress to other soft foods, such as shredded chicken and soft-cooked vegetables. 

Failing to be mindful of your eating habits and oral hygiene practices can lead to dry socket at the extraction site. Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms around the extraction site to protect it from bacteria falls off prematurely. An untreated dry socket can trigger an infection due to food debris and bacteria filling the tooth hole. 

Acceptable Foods To Eat Post-Wisdom Tooth Extraction

As you might expect, not all foods and beverages are acceptable to consume immediately after a tooth extraction. Most oral and maxillofacial surgeons recommend a liquid-based or soft-food diet immediately following the procedure.

The idea is to consume items that are easy to swallow and require little to no chewing. Examples include:

• Yogurt
• Applesauce
• Ice cream
• Eggs
• Jelly
• Mashed potatoes
• Soft vegetables

As you progress with your recovery, you can start incorporating semi-soft foods like beef and pasta into your meal plan. However, if your mouth is still too tender for chewing food, you can stay on your soft-food diet a few days longer.

Which Foods and Drinks Can Impede Your Healing Process?

Some foods are more likely than others to cause dry socket, pain, and prolonged healing. For instance, crunchy, crumbly, or spicy foods can irritate the extraction wound or dislodge the blood clot too soon. The same rule applies to the following:

• Seeds
• Foods with grains
• Soft drinks
• Hot food
• Caffeinated drinks

Eating Habits To Avoid After Losing Your Wisdom Teeth

You know the answer to “When can I eat after wisdom tooth extraction?” but knowing when to eat isn’t enough. If you want your extraction wounds to heal fully without complications, you should temporarily change these eating and drinking habits along with your diet:

• Alcohol consumption: It’s best to stop drinking alcohol while healing from the dental extraction, as the alcohol can irritate the soft tissues in your mouth and interfere with your medications.
• Eating spicy or acidic foods: Spices and acids can sting your already-sensitive mouth, which affects your pain management strategy.
• Smoking: Smoking cigarettes or using any tobacco product following a tooth removal can cause infections and slow your healing. 
• Drinking with a straw: Using a straw can dislodge the blood clot at your dental wound, leaving the site vulnerable to infection.

Potential Warning Signs of Dental Extraction Complications

You should expect to feel some pain and discomfort immediately following wisdom tooth extraction. Most people can resume eating normally by the third or fourth week following the procedure. However, persistent pain can indicate another problem. 

Other warning signs of trouble after a wisdom tooth removal include:

• Increasing pain: Prolonged pain could mean you’re healing slower than expected. 
• Ongoing bleeding: If your mouth continues to bleed hours after surgery, the wound may not be clotting properly. 
• Foul smell or taste: A lingering odor or taste may indicate a dry socket or infection.

Need Wisdom Tooth Extraction? We Can Help

Whether you have an impacted or infected wisdom tooth, a dentist may need to remove it. If that happens, your answer to “When can I eat after wisdom tooth extraction?” is a few hours after surgery. Your diet will consist of liquids and soft foods at first and shift to more solid foods after five days. 

Do you need wisdom tooth extraction in Surrey? Our professionals at New England Oral & Cosmetic Facial Surgery can handle the procedure and guide you through every phase, including recovery. To schedule a consultation, call (604) 507-0514.