If you are Sick, Should You Reschedule Your Extraction Appointment?

After putting off the issue for some time, you finally came to terms with the idea of getting your tooth extracted and made the dreaded appointment with your oral surgeon. However, that very same morning, you woke up feeling under the weather – it’s not serious enough to visit the doctor, but you aren’t feeling well. You immediately wonder, do I need to cancel the extraction appointment?

Like you, most patients won’t know what to do with their upcoming oral surgery if they feel sick. But whether to reschedule or not your appointment depends on a few key factors, so we advise our patients to ask themselves the following questions to make up their minds:

Am I Feeling OK?

This is the first and most important question. You should always evaluate how sick you feel and the level of pain and discomfort you are experiencing. A dental extraction is a stressful procedure per se, and it can be a bit uncomfortable, so it is important to feel strong enough to undergo the treatment and fully recover from it.

Does it Look Like a Cold or the Flu?

If you are experiencing the symptoms of an active cold or flu (or anything contagious at all), please get in contact with our office and reschedule your dental extraction. It’s the best for your health and the health of our dental team and patients.

Which are My Signs and Symptoms?

Patients who cannot sit still during the procedure should also consider rescheduling the appointment. For example, you cannot have your teeth extracted (or receive any other dental treatment) if you are coughing or sneezing. It doesn’t matter if your condition isn’t contagious (like allergies) or if you’re feeling as fit as a fiddle. During this type of dental procedure, you need to have your mouth wide open for a considerable time, and the oral surgeon works with sharp instruments, so any sudden move can end up hurting your oral tissues.

Don’t Hesitate to Reschedule – We are Always Here for You!

If you aren’t feeling well and still don’t know what to do about it, feel free to contact our office. The front-desk team will assess you or contact our oral surgeon to help you make the best decision. We appreciate those patients that value our time and don’t want to leave us with unfilled slots, so we will do our best to offer you a new appointment as soon as possible!


Common Questions About Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth are the last four teeth to erupt into the mouth. They grow in the back of the mouth, often coming in during the late teens or early twenties. Unfortunately, many people don’t have room for them and need their wisdom teeth removed. This guide will answer some common questions about wisdom teeth removal.

When Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Many people choose wisdom tooth removal between the ages of 15-20. At this age, your teeth may not be fully erupted, but wisdom tooth removal is often easiest before the wisdom teeth are fully developed. Some patients may need extraction at an earlier age to avoid damage to the surrounding teeth.  The best way to determine the timing of your wisdom tooth removal, or to determine if removal is needed, is to schedule a consultation with an oral surgeon. After an oral examination and x-rays, we can help you decide if and when wisdom tooth removal is needed.

If you have room in your mouth for your wisdom teeth and can keep them clean, they may not need to be removed.

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are often malpositioned due to space constraints. The teeth may be unable to fully erupt or may be growing at an angle, pressing up against the neighboring teeth. An oral surgeon can help you determine if your wisdom teeth are causing problems or if they are likely to cause problems in the future. Here are a few reasons you may need to consider wisdom tooth removal.

  • Jaw Damage– Cysts can develop around new teeth. If left untreated, they can cause permanent nerve and jaw damage.
  • Sinus Issues- Some patients with wisdom tooth issues experience sinus pain.
  • Damage to Other Teeth– Wisdom teeth can cause alignment problems with other teeth. Cavities and decay on the wisdom teeth can spread to the surrounding teeth.
  • Cavities- Many patients are unable to properly clean their wisdom teeth, leading to cavities and tooth decay.

What Happens During Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Your wisdom tooth removal will be customized to your unique needs. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your individual situation and make plans for appropriate pain relief, sedation (if desired), etc. We typically remove all four wisdom teeth at once, minimizing your downtime and inconvenience. Come see us and we’ll create a treatment plan together.

What Is Recovery Like After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

Recovery times vary after wisdom tooth removal, often depending on the difficulty of your extraction.  Plan on at least three days of downtime with prescription pain relief. Take it easy and get plenty of rest during the first few days. Most patients are sore for about a week, but able to resume regular activities. Complicated removals may require a longer period of downtime.

Not all patients need wisdom tooth removal, but if you do, we’re ready to help. Call our offices today and schedule your consultation.