Wisdom teeth are the final molars, located at the back of your mouth at the top, bottom, and on either side of your mouth. These can often grow in at an angle and end up becoming infected or impacted, which can lead to problems with your gums and teeth. Fortunately, wisdom tooth removal procedure can help you get rid of them with minimal pain and discomfort as possible. Here’s what you can expect after wisdom tooth removal.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure Checklist
Dentists recommend that your wisdom teeth be removed by age 17. If you’re over 17 and still have your wisdom teeth, don’t be concerned. However, it is important that you keep an eye on them as they begin to emerge and ensure you get them removed when necessary. If your dentist advises removal, it is recommended that you start preparing for your procedure two months before surgery, if possible.
Preparation Day Before
Your dentist will probably recommend that you stay home from work or school on the day of your procedure. Although uncommon, some people experience sensitivity to light and noise after a wisdom tooth removal and your dentist may suggest that you rest at home during your recovery. You will likely be given pain medications and antibiotics at your appointment, so don’t forget to take these before going home. Don’t drink alcohol or drive because you are taking medication. It is very important that you remain well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If recommended by your doctor, take an anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen) one hour before surgery if you are in moderate pain. Please follow all instructions given by your doctor regarding what meds to take and when they should be taken.
The Day of Surgery
Your wisdom teeth removal procedure will take place under general anesthesia, which means you’ll be unconscious during your treatment. In other words, don’t expect any of your favorite tooth-removal sayings to work their magic—like This won’t hurt a bit! or Sleep tight, don’t let anyone bite! Since you won’t be awake for your surgery, there’s no need to cancel any dates with friends that day—just make sure they know where you’ll be before you go under. While it can feel counterintuitive, many patients are usually advised to have someone drive them home from surgery. The reason: It takes time for sedatives and anesthesia drugs to wear off after surgery.
Post Surgery Instructions
A doctor will often leave sutures in place for a couple of days after surgery. During that time, you’ll want to follow these instructions carefully: Don’t chew on anything hard. Avoid eating or drinking any hard or sticky foods for 48 hours following surgery, such as popcorn, chips and hard candy. Soft foods such as yogurt and ice cream are OK. If your doctor used stitches to close your wound, don’t try to pull them out; they’ll dissolve on their own after they’re no longer needed. In addition, avoid smoking because it causes swelling and can make it harder for you to heal properly.
Immediately after your wisdom teeth are removed, you will likely experience some pain. It’s important that you follow your dentist’s post-surgery instructions carefully. Avoid chewing on ice or gum and avoid talking as much as possible. While it is tempting to do so, do not rinse with a mouthwash immediately after surgery. It can sting quite a bit and may cause discomfort during recovery. The best way to prevent additional discomfort is by keeping up with your pain medications. If you have any concerns about your wisdom tooth removal procedure or post-op instructions, contact us for more information today!
Home Recovery
As anyone who has had a wisdom tooth removed can tell you, it’s more than just an uncomfortable experience—it’s an ordeal. The recovery process following a wisdom tooth removal procedure is pretty painful and lengthy (as you might imagine), but there are ways to make it easier on yourself. Following these tips will help you bounce back quickly and get your smile in tip-top shape. Here are some of our favorite home remedies for speeding up recovery after a wisdom tooth removal procedure
Healing Time
Our bodies need time to heal after wisdom tooth removal. That means watching for signs of infection and avoiding strenuous activity for a few days. We know you want your mouth back, but most dentists recommend taking at least one day off from eating solid foods—and then following up with lots of ice cream or yogurt that’s soft enough to eat. (If you’re not feeling any pain, that is.) Avoiding excessive physical activity can be tough, especially in those first few days—but it’ll definitely help speed up your recovery time. The sooner you get on with your life, the better it’ll be for both you and your gums!
What to Expect in the First Week
During recovery, you will probably feel a little pressure and have some swelling in your mouth. It is normal for blood and swelling to occur after wisdom tooth removal. You may also have mild discomfort in your gums and jaw. Ice packs can be applied to help reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling. You should avoid consuming any solid foods for about two days following surgery.
Managing Pain During Healing
Wisdom teeth are often removed because they are impacted and don’t have enough room to break through your gums, which means you may be experiencing some pain. Pain management is an important part of wisdom tooth removal recovery and can help ensure that your mouth heals properly. Speak with your dentist about what kind of pain management plan will work best for you and how long it will last after you leave their office. While some people find that over-the-counter remedies (like ibuprofen) do a good job of managing any post-surgery soreness, others may need prescription medication in order to deal with lingering pain issues. The good news is that most wisdom tooth removal patients report feeling back to normal just one week after having surgery.
Why Wisdom Teeth Need Removed?
Wisdom teeth are more commonly known as your third molars, and they can appear in a variety of different positions inside your mouth. Sometimes wisdom teeth grow in normally, but quite often they’re impacted—meaning they don’t have enough room to grow properly. This situation can lead to issues with bacteria buildup, tooth decay, gum disease, jaw pain and an increased risk of dental crowding. Removing impacted wisdom teeth is one way that dentists keep your smile healthy. If you’re at all concerned about wisdom teeth removal procedure or want more information about what can be done for jaw pain caused by wisdom teeth problems, talk with our team today!
One-on-one time with Dr. Hassan can make all the difference when it comes to learning how wisdom teeth removal affects your overall oral health. And remember: You don’t need to let an impacted wisdom tooth force you into treatment before its needed. Before taking any action, speak with us about treatment options like oral surgery and extractions; these procedures take much less time than we might imagine when everything has gone smoothly beforehand. To learn more about wisdom teeth extractions or our practice as a whole, call 908-369-3396 now!
