Welcome to the third installment of our series on wisdom tooth removal at Argyle Associates, Ottawa’s premier oral and maxillofacial surgery practice. Having discussed what wisdom teeth are and how to prepare for their removal, this post will guide you through the extraction procedure itself. Understanding what to expect can alleviate any anxiety and help you feel more comfortable with the process.
Step 1: Arrival and Preparation
On the day of your surgery, you’ll arrive at one of our four convenient locations in Ottawa. Ensure you have a responsible adult with you to drive you home after the procedure, especially if you’re receiving sedation or general anesthesia. Our friendly staff will check you in and make sure you’re comfortable and ready for the procedure.
Step 2: Anesthesia
As discussed in our previous post, the type of anesthesia used will depend on your specific needs and the complexity of your case. Our skilled surgeons and anesthesiologists will administer:
- Local Anesthesia to numb the area around the wisdom teeth.
- Sedation Anesthesia to relax you and block pain, making you semi-conscious.
- General Anesthesia to put you to sleep during the procedure, ensuring you feel nothing and have no memory of the surgery.
- Your vital signs will be continuously monitored to ensure your safety throughout the procedure.
Step 3: The Extraction Process
Once the anesthesia takes effect, your oral surgeon will proceed with the extraction. The procedure involves:
- Incising the Gum: If the wisdom tooth is impacted or covered by gum tissue, the surgeon will make a small incision in the gum to expose the tooth and bone.
- Removing Bone: If bone is blocking access to the root of the wisdom tooth, it will be carefully removed.
- Tooth Sectioning: Sometimes, the tooth may be divided into smaller pieces to make it easier to remove through the opening.
- Tooth Removal: The wisdom tooth is then carefully removed. The area is cleaned of any debris from the tooth or bone.
Step 4: Post-Extraction Care
Immediately after the tooth is removed, the surgeon may suture the incision with stitches that dissolve over time to promote healing. You will be given gauze to bite on to help control any bleeding. The surgical team will provide post-operative instructions and medications to manage pain and prevent infection.
Step 5: Recovery Room
After the extraction, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will continue to be monitored as you wake up from anesthesia. Once you are alert and stable, and the immediate post-operative instructions have been reviewed, your designated driver will be able to take you home.
Conclusion
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure that can significantly improve your oral health and comfort. At Argyle Associates in Ottawa, our team of experienced oral surgeons ensures that your wisdom tooth removal is as painless and stress-free as possible.
If you have any questions or if you’re ready to schedule your wisdom tooth removal, don’t hesitate to contact us at (613) 778-8888 or via email at patientservices@argyleassociates.com. Our dedicated team is here to assist you every step of the way.
Stay tuned for our next post, which will cover everything you need to know about post-surgical care and recovery. At Argyle Associates, we’re committed to ensuring your recovery is swift and smooth.