Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom Tooth Extractions & Other Oral Surgeries
Most people have many questions when it comes to their upcoming oral surgery. Luckily, the team at Amherst Oral Surgery has answers! We’ve assembled some of the questions our patients ask most commonly here for your convenience.
Of course, if you have additional questions about your particular surgery, feel free to ask us during your appointment or when you call us. We understand that any kind of oral surgery, including wisdom tooth removal , can cause a lot of nervousness. However, we’re here to make sure your mind is at ease before, during, and after your surgery.
Why do my wisdom teeth need to be removed?
The third molars (wisdom teeth) come later in life when the teeth and jaw are already formed. There often isn’t enough room in the mouth for them to erupt properly. This can lead to a number of problems:
- Wisdom teeth that only partially emerge can lead to bacterial infections.
- Cysts can form when wisdom teeth don’t erupt at all, damaging your jaw and gums.
- A crooked wisdom tooth can damage the alignment of your entire bite and jaw.
Does wisdom tooth removal hurt?
We make every effort to make your surgery as painless as possible. Our team offers three forms of sedation (local anesthesia, IV sedation, and general anesthesia) and will work with you to determine which is best for your circumstances and medical history. You shouldn’t feel pain or discomfort while we’re working on your surgery.
Most people experience mild discomfort and swelling after their surgery, but not pain. These should go away within a few days.
Which type of anesthetic is best?
There is no “best” type of anesthetic. Every patient has a different medical history, different needs, and different preferences. Taking all of this into account, we’ll work with you to determine what the best option for you is during your surgery.
How should I prepare for surgery?
How you prepare for surgery depends on whether you will receive local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or IV sedation. Based on your medical history and case, the oral surgeon may have additional instructions for you. Please make sure you follow them.
What do I need to do after surgery?
We will give you in-depth post-op instructions to follow.
I need another oral surgery, not wisdom tooth extraction. What should I expect?
Rest assured that Dr. Chmiel and our helpful staff will explain to you exactly what you should expect before, during, and after your surgery. Our top priority is to keep you comfortable, and patient education is a big part of that. Be sure to ask plenty of questions during your initial consultation, and if you come up with more questions or are confused by our instructions, don’t hesitate to call.
How do I tell if I have impacted teeth?
Impacted teeth are those which do not break through the gums after they grow in. These impacted teeth need to be addressed because they can be quite painful and lead to swollen or bleeding gums, jaw pain, and swelling as a result of an infection under your gums. If you are having pain in a specific area of your gums and are noticing blood or swelling, it may be a sign of impacted teeth.
Should I Consider Gum Grafting?
Gum grafting may be necessary for patients that have gums which are receding. Gum grafting can also help those who are preparing to have a dental implant done. A gum graft is done to ensure there's enough bone in your mouth to support your teeth. This procedure helps restore the functionality of your gums and keeps them healthy to support the teeth in your mouth. Receding gums can lead to infection and tooth decay. Gum grafting is done by an oral surgeon using tissue from other areas of your mouth, which will be placed to the site of your receding gums. Contact us for a consultation on your receding gums to restore their health and functionality.
Reach Out to Our Certified Oral Surgeon in the Heart of Williamsville, NY
Our oral surgeon remains dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-first care to those throughout the Western New York region. Whether you're suffering from impacted teeth or you would like to explore the wisdom tooth extraction process, our experienced surgeon is standing by to provide support. In fact, our practice is proud to assist patients across the Niagara Falls, Cheektowaga, Williamsville, Buffalo, Amherst, Tonawanda, Lancaster, Orchard Park, East Amherst, and Clarence, NY communities. You can rely on Ronald A. Chmiel, Jr., DDS at Amherst Oral Surgery for unmatched care.
