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Wisdom teeth, impacted

Questions to ask your dentist

If you've been diagnosed with impacted wisdom teeth, you may want to ask your dentist some of these questions. Your dentist may have questions for you, too.

Questions you might want to ask

Are my wisdom teeth impacted? (Wisdom teeth are impacted if they haven't come through the gum properly.)
Which ones are impacted?
Are they causing any problems now?
Will they cause problems in the future?
What, if any, treatments do you advise?

If your dentist or dental surgeon advises you to have your impacted wisdom teeth removed

Why do I need my wisdom teeth removed?
Is it because they are causing problems now or because they might in the future?
Do I need to have the surgery soon?
Who will do the operation? How much experience do they have?
Where will the operation be done?
Which impacted wisdom teeth need to come out?
How long should my operation take?
What type of

anesthetic
An anesthetic is a chemical that blocks your ability to feel sensations like pain or heat. A local anesthetic blocks the feeling in a specific area of the body. For example, your dentist uses a local anesthetic like Novocaine in your gums so that you don't feel the pain of having a cavity filled. A general anesthetic makes you completely unconscious and is usually used only in a carefully controlled environment like an operating room.

anesthetic will I need?
Could I have a sedative to make me calm for the operation, rather than an anesthetic?
What are the risks of having my wisdom teeth taken out?
How long will it take for me to recover?
How long will I be away from work/school?

Questions your dentist might ask you

Have you been having pain or swelling in the back of your mouth or cheeks?
Have you been having headaches?
Have you ever had a

general anesthetic
You may have a type of medication called a general anesthetic when you have surgery. It's given to make you unconscious so you don't feel pain.

general anesthetic before? Was it OK for you?
Would you like to have general anesthetic for the surgery?
Do you understand the risks of having the surgery?

This information was last updated on Mar 06, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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