Wisdom Teeth Extractions “Do’s and Don’ts”
Wisdom teeth always take time to develop, often developing during the late teenage years, around the age of 17 years. Unfortunately, some people experience complications with their wisdom teeth. For instance, if there isn’t enough room in the jawbone for the tooth to erupt or develop normally, the tooth becomes impacted. Such a tooth may:
- Grow in a direction toward the adjacent tooth
- Grow at a right angle position to other teeth
- Grow straight down or up but stay trapped within the jawbone
- Grow in a direction towards the back of the mouth
While not always, an impacted tooth can result in several problems such as:
- Pain
- Plaque and tartar build-up
- Oral infections like gum diseases, tooth decay, and oral thrush
- Damage to the nearby surrounding bone
- Problems with orthodontic treatments
- Development of a fluid-filled sac
Even if an impacted tooth isn’t causing problems, the dentist might recommend removing it to prevent future complications. The dentist might also recommend extraction if a wisdom tooth has developed normally but has suffered extreme damage or decay.
In most cases, the dentist extracts the tooth through surgical extraction. Most patients are often worried about their recovery after the surgery. Below are essential tips for faster healing and recovery after a wisdom tooth extraction.
After Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction, Here’s What You Should Do:
Following your dentist’s aftercare instructions is the first tip to facilitate faster healing and recovery. Other tips include:
- Rest adequately. After oral surgery, avoid strenuous activities or exercises for the next few days. However, don’t be completely inactive; try short walks to improve blood circulation and facilitate faster recovery.
- The dentist might prescribe medication to manage swelling and pain. Ensure you take medicine as directed by your dentist. Don’t use over-the-counter medication without consulting your healthcare provider.
- Elevate your head. When lying down, use a soft pillow to raise your head.
- Use an Ice Pack. In the first 24 – 48 hours after wisdom tooth removal, apply an ice pack outside the cheek to manage pain and swelling.
- Bite on the gauze. It helps a clot to form and stop the bleeding for quick recovery.
- Take a soft diet. The wound will be sensitive to extreme temperatures and touch after an extraction. When eating, opt for liquid and soft food diets like soups, mashed potatoes, yogurts, milkshakes, and smoothies. Chew on the side opposite the extraction area.
- Stay Hydrated. Drink enough amounts of fluids to avoid dry mouth and oral infections. Do not use a straw.
- Call your dentist or contact our dentist near you in Edison if bleeding and swelling worsen or persist beyond normal.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Aftercare: Don’ts
- For the next 24 hours, avoid sucking, spitting, rinsing, or using a straw to prevent dislodging the clot.
- For the next 72 hours, avoid tobacco and alcoholic products to prevent a dry socket.
- For the next three days to a week, avoid hard, spicy, crunchy, and chewy food items like nuts, carrots, popcorns, and hard vegetables to avoid disturbing and irritating the wound.
- Don’t eat until the anesthesia wears off completely.
- Do not take aspirin as it can affect blood clot formation.
- Do not touch the wound with a finger, toothpick, or tongue. It can cause the blood clot to dislodge, resulting in a dry socket.
What Else Should I Know About Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
When preparing for a wisdom tooth extraction surgery, your dentist might ask you to choose a form of sedation to keep you pain-free and comfortable throughout the procedure. If you have another sedation other than nitrous oxide (laughing gas), organize for a friend to take you home after the procedure. Also, be sure to have someone stay with you in the first few hours, just in case you encounter any complications.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Do you need more information about wisdom tooth extraction? Contact KK Dental Edison to book your appointment with our dentist.