Are you getting ready to have your wisdom teeth extracted? If so, this could be the last obstacle between you and a brighter smile! Getting your wisdom teeth out can be scary, but with the right knowledge and preparation and proper aftercare – it’s nothing to worry about.
Whether it’s your first time getting an extraction or you want a refresher course on what’s involved, we hope that after reading this post, your smiles will reclaim their territory in no time! We’ll explore everything you need to know about wisdom teeth extraction and how to best care for yourself during recovery.
Overview: Wisdom tooth extraction
Wisdom tooth extraction or “third molar extraction” is a dental procedure that removes one or more of the four wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth usually develop in late adolescence and early adulthood (ages 17-25). As they erupt, wisdom teeth can cause problems such as crowding or impaction of other teeth. It can increase the risk of gum disease, tooth decay and other dental problems. In these cases, the dentist or oral surgeon may need to extract or remove the wisdom teeth.
Wisdom tooth extraction or third molar extraction is a dental operation that removes one or more wisdom teeth. There are two types of wisdom tooth extraction procedures: non-surgical/simple and surgical.
During Yours Wisdom tooth extraction
Depending on your situation and the condition of your wisdom teeth, extractions can be done as a non-surgical or surgical procedure.
Non-surgical extraction
If possible, your dentist will try to use special instruments to gently remove the tooth in one piece. Sometimes this can be done without anesthesia.
Surgical extraction
If the tooth is embedded in the gums or has not erupted, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon for surgical extraction. This procedure usually requires local anesthesia and often dental sedation if necessary. During surgical extraction, your oral surgeon will access the impacted tooth by making small incisions in your gums. The gum tissue is then gently pulled back, and the tooth can be removed in several pieces.
Afterwards Wisdom tooth extraction
After the wisdom tooth extraction procedure is complete, follow your dentist’s procedure aftercare instructions is important. Immediately after the procedure, minor bleeding should be expected, which can be controlled by lightly biting the gauze for up to 30 minutes. Swelling and discomfort in the area may also occur and can be managed with cold compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Keep the area clean by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water several times a day and avoid brushing or flossing the extraction site until it has healed sufficiently. Your dentist will also prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection.
Wisdom tooth extraction RECOVERY TIPS for a quick healing process
Recovery from wisdom tooth extraction usually takes about seven to ten days. However, proper care and following instructions after surgery can help reduce pain and ensure a faster healing process. Here are some tips for recovering from a wisdom tooth extraction:
#1. Follow the instructions of your dentist or oral surgeon
Follow all instructions from your dentist or oral surgeon after the procedure, such as taking prescribed medications and maintaining proper hygiene habits. This will help reduce the risk of complications developing during recovery.
#2. Pain and swelling management
Pain and swelling can be expected during recovery. To help with this problem, your dentist or oral surgeon may give you an analgesic and anti-inflammatory medication. It is important to take prescribed medications as directed for optimal pain relief. Additionally, applying ice packs can help reduce swelling and ease discomfort.
#3. Make dietary restrictions
Avoiding hard, chewy and crunchy foods is important during recovery. Eating soft foods like applesauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and oatmeal can help promote healing while the extraction site can rest.
#4. Rest and relax
During the first few days after the extraction, it is vital that you get plenty of rest to speed up the healing process. In addition, avoiding strenuous activities and sports can help prevent unnecessary bleeding or injury at the extraction site.
#5. Practice good oral hygiene
Keeping your mouth clean after wisdom tooth extraction is key to preventing infection. Your dentist will give you a special mouthwash and recommend gentle tooth brushing after extraction.
#6. Stay hydrated
Drinking fluids keeps your body hydrated and reduces bleeding at extraction sites. Water is the ideal choice of liquid because it does not contain sugar or caffeine, which can irritate the healing area.
#7. Avoid smoking and alcohol
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for 48-72 hours after surgery to avoid infection and slow healing.
#8. Take prescribed medication
Take the medicine as directed and without exceeding the recommended dose or duration of treatment for a successful recovery.
#9. Watch out for complications
Some signs complications after wisdom tooth extraction includes fever, severe pain at the extraction site, profuse bleeding, and swollen lymph nodes. Contact your dentist or surgeon immediately if you have these symptoms for diagnosis and treatment.
#10. Schedule follow-up care
After recovery, schedule follow-up care to make sure the healing process was successful and there were no complications. They will examine the extraction site and make sure it is healing properly.
Conclusion
Having wisdom teeth removed can be scary and lead to wonderful results. With proper knowledge and preparation, you won’t have to worry about the upcoming appointment. After following all the tips in this post, your recovery should go much smoother than if you weren’t properly informed about what to do when you go into surgery. Now that you know what a wisdom tooth extraction is, it’s time to prepare your smile!
