Wisdom Teeth Removal: Frequently Asked Questions

Getting your wisdom teeth out is one of the most common dental procedures we do. This page walks you through everything you can expect on the day, and answers the questions patients ask us most often.

How long will I be at the office?

Plan on about two hours. Roughly an hour of that is getting you sedated at the start and waking you back up at the end. The removal itself takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how difficult the teeth are.

What kind of sedation do you use?

IV sedation. We use two medications, fentanyl and midazolam, given through an IV. You will be comfortable for the whole appointment.

Can I eat or drink beforehand?

No. Nothing to eat or drink for at least 8 hours before your appointment. This is important for your safety during sedation.

What should I wear?

A T-shirt is ideal. We hook you up to monitors during the procedure and need to place heart leads on your chest and abdomen. Comfortable clothes and layers are a good idea.

Do I need someone to drive me?

Yes. You need someone to drive you home afterward, and you cannot drive for the rest of the day once you have been sedated.

How much time should I take off?

We recommend setting things up so you can take the next three or four days to recover.

Will I get medication afterward?

Yes. We provide pain medication and medications to help with your recovery. It helps if you give us the name of your pharmacy ahead of time so we can fax or call things in before your appointment.

What are the risks?

There is some risk with taking out wisdom teeth.

Common and likely:

• Swelling
• Bruising and discoloration
• General discomfort, tenderness and soreness

Less likely:

• Short-term illness
• Paresthesia (numbness)

Usually a full recovery is made within a couple of weeks. We will go over all of the risks with you again at the time of treatment.

What if something does not seem right?

Call us. If you run into any issues, we are here to support you and make sure things go as smoothly as possible. We always tell you about the risks, but in reality outcomes are usually quite good. It just takes a little bit of time to heal, and some patience.