Wisdom teeth may arrive long after your teenage years. However, wisdom teeth are known as such because they often emerge just as the teens are ending and the twenties are beginning. It's interesting though, that even adults in their thirties who believed they were missing out on wisdom teeth may have them eventually. If your dentist has suggested that your wisdom teeth be removed, regardless of your age, you may be wondering what is about to happen and worrying about the potential for discomfort. Read on and find out more.

Why Remove Those Wisdom Teeth?

Your dentist will probably refer to your wisdom teeth as third molars. In some cases, these late molars may not pose a problem, but they often do. The issue is that you probably still have your second set of molars and there is simply not enough room for more. Even when you do have room, wisdom teeth can come in crooked and cause a lot of pain and irritation. You don't need these extra teeth, particularly when they are bound to cause you problems, so your dentist is likely to recommend that you have them surgically removed.  

Planning the Procedure

Since this type of removal may involve the dentist performing incisions and stitching things up, you probably will want to be sedated during the procedure. In most cases, dental patients opt for intravenous (IV) sedation, which makes them completely unaware of anything while they sleep peacefully.

Otherwise, your dentist can use numbing shots to deaden your gums, but you may experience some discomfort and feelings of pressure. IV anesthesia is not appropriate for everyone so your dentist will discuss your pain control choices with you ahead of time. Patients will need to follow the dentist's instructions about eating and drinking before the procedure and have someone to drive them home.

Pain Control Afterward

Many people don't feel any pain even after the anesthesia wears off after a third molar removal, but everyone experiences pain differently. Your dentist may provide you with a prescription for pain medication to take once you are home. You may only need some over-the-counter pain relief as well.

You should read and follow your dentist's written instructions on how to care for your gums once your anesthesia has worn off. You will likely have a small piece of gauze in place over your incision areas and you may be instructed to change the gauze. In many cases, you will be able to resume your normal activities in a day or so as your gums heal. Speak to your dentist to find out more about dental care services.