In an article entitled “What happens when you get your wisdom teeth out?” Clara Saros at Kaneland High School in Maple Park, Illinois, provides a firsthand account and general information about the process of having wisdom teeth removed, from preparation to recovery.
She explains that dentists typically recommend removal between ages 15 and 22, when healing is faster and surgery is simpler. Patients are required to arrange a ride home due to anesthesia effects and are prepped before surgery, often with arm restraints to prevent movement during the procedure.
The surgery itself usually lasts 40 to 90 minutes, she writes, followed by a short observation period before discharge. Recovery varies depending on the complexity of the extraction, with most people resuming normal activities within a week but avoiding certain foods for longer. The article also stresses the importance of proper oral care, including rinsing with salt water and careful flossing, to prevent complications like dry sockets and promote healing.