Wisdom Teeth Removal in Crescent Springs, KY Serving Northern Kentucky, Greater Cincinnati & Southeast Indiana

• You may be instructed to avoid certain medications, such as blood thinners, for a specified period before the procedure.
• It's important to arrange transportation, as you cannot drive after the surgery.
• Prepare soft, nutritious foods and plenty of fluids to consume during recovery.

• Depending on the complexity of the procedure, you may receive local anesthesia (numbing the specific area), regional anesthesia (numbing a larger area) or general anesthesia (putting you to sleep).
• The area will be numbed so you are comfortable before beginning the extraction.

• Incisions are made in the gum tissue to expose the wisdom teeth and the surrounding bone.
• If necessary, the teeth may be sectioned (divided into smaller pieces) to facilitate their removal.
• The wisdom teeth are carefully extracted, taking measures to minimize trauma to the surrounding tissues.

How long does wisdom teeth removal take?

Most wisdom teeth removal procedures take about 45 minutes to an hour from start to finish, including time to get you comfortable and settled. The active surgical time is usually shorter than patients expect. A single simple extraction of a fully erupted tooth can take just a few minutes. A full set of four, especially when some teeth are impacted, typically runs 45 to 60 minutes. Complex or full bony impactions can add time, since the tooth may need to be gently sectioned into smaller pieces for careful removal.

• After the extraction, we will clean the surgical sites and, if necessary, place sutures to close the incisions.
• Sutures may be dissolvable or require removal at a follow-up appointment.

• You'll receive detailed instructions on how to care for the surgical sites, including recommendations for pain management, diet and oral hygiene.
• You may receive a prescription for medications, such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs, to aid in the healing process.

• Day of surgery: Rest, keep gauze in place as directed, use ice to limit swelling, and stick to cool liquids and soft foods. Expect some oozing and grogginess if you were sedated.
• Days 1-3: Swelling usually peaks around day two or three, then improves. Continue soft foods, gentle rinsing as instructed, and recommended pain relief.
• Days 4-7: Most patients feel noticeably better and return to work or school. Avoid straws, smoking and strenuous activity.
• Week 2+: The sockets continue to close. We see you for any follow-up needed to monitor the healing process and remove any necessary sutures.

Aftercare Do's

• Keep gauze in place and bite gently but firmly for the time your surgeon specifies.
• Use ice on the day of surgery to control swelling.
• Keep your head elevated, including while sleeping the first night or two.
• Rinse gently with warm salt water starting the day after surgery to keep the sites clean.
• Take all medication exactly as prescribed, including antibiotics if given.
• Stay hydrated and choose soft, nourishing foods.
• Rest for the first day or two.

Aftercare Don'ts

• Do not use straws, and do not spit forcefully or rinse vigorously, since the suction and pressure can dislodge the healing blood clot.
• Avoid smoking and vaping, which slow healing and sharply raise the risk of dry socket.
• Skip alcohol, carbonated drinks, and very hot foods and drinks for the first several days.
• Do not poke the sites with your tongue or fingers.
• Avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for the first few days.
• Do not brush directly on the surgical sites until your surgeon says it is safe, though you can gently clean the rest of your mouth.

When to Call Us

Some swelling, mild bleeding, and discomfort are expected. Contact Integrity Oral Surgery promptly if you have heavy bleeding that does not slow with pressure, a fever, increasing pain after the third day rather than steady improvement, pus or a bad taste that does not clear, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or numbness that is not resolving. For urgent concerns outside a routine follow-up, our team can guide you, and we also offer emergency oral surgery when it is needed.