The internet is an excellent resource for researching your wisdom tooth extraction, but it also provides a lot of false information. You don’t want to be steered in the wrong direction! While we do want you to understand your upcoming procedure, we want to emphasize the importance of knowing and understanding the right kind of information. From our extensive experience with removing wisdom teeth, we know the most commonly asked questions and misunderstandings surrounding wisdom teeth extractions.
Truth or Myth?
- I don’t need to have an oral surgeon perform the procedure.
Sometimes, dental professionals advertise their ability to remove wisdom teeth, but not every dental practitioner is qualified to perform the procedure. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons spend at least 4 years training in a hospital-based residency program in addition to earning their dental degree. Oral surgeons also train alongside anesthesiologists to safely administer anesthesia and monitor patients during treatment, which is not a requirement of dental practitioners. While some dentists say they can perform wisdom teeth removal, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the most qualified to perform it safely and efficiently. - I can’t feel my wisdom teeth, so I don’t need to get them removed.
This is a complete myth! While you may not be able to feel your wisdom teeth in your mouth, that doesn’t mean that they do not pose a potential oral health risk. An x-ray can help your oral surgeon determine if they will damage or misalign your healthy teeth or if they are at risk for infection. If your wisdom teeth are a threat, then your oral surgeon will likely elect to remove them, even if you are not experiencing any problematic symptoms. Not all people will need to get their wisdom teeth removed; the decision is one that you should make with the professional opinions of your general dentist and oral surgeon. - A soft food only diet is necessary immediately following extraction.
Yes! Immediately following your wisdom teeth extractions, you will want to keep from irritating the areas by avoiding chewy, hard, or hot foods. You will get to enjoy foods like milkshakes, yogurt, and applesauce during your healing period! Anything soft that you can swallow without chewing (that is not served piping hot) is the perfect meal after having your wisdom teeth removed. If you have any questions, please talk to your oral surgeon!
At Geelong Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we want to ensure that all of our patients are fully informed about wisdom teeth removal and have the proper online resources to educate themselves. If you have any questions about wisdom teeth extractions, please utilize our website or call our office to schedule an appointment