Common Side Effects of Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to emerge in the back of the mouth. Most people get their wisdom teeth removed during their teenage years or early adulthood. Wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure, but it can have side effects that can impact your daily life. In this blog, we will discuss the common side effects of wisdom tooth extraction and how to deal with them.
Swelling and Pain
Swelling and pain are the most common side effects of wisdom tooth extraction. After the surgery, you may experience swelling in your jaw, cheeks, and even your eyes. The level of swelling varies depending on the individual and the extent of the surgery. You may also feel pain and discomfort around the extraction site.
To reduce swelling and pain, use ice packs on your cheeks for the first 24-48 hours after the surgery. You can also take over-the-counter pain relief medication recommended by your dentist or oral surgeon.
Bleeding
Bleeding is also a common side effect of wisdom tooth extraction. After the surgery, you may have some bleeding from the extraction site. This is normal and will usually stop within a few hours.
To manage bleeding, gently bite down on a piece of gauze placed over the extraction site for about 30-45 minutes. If bleeding persists, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately.
Dry Socket
Dry socket is a potential complication that can occur after wisdom tooth extraction. It happens when the blood clot that forms in the extraction site after surgery becomes dislodged, exposing the bone and causing severe pain.
To prevent dry socket, avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, and eating hard or chewy foods for the first few days after the surgery. If you experience severe pain a few days after the surgery, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately. They may prescribe medication to manage the pain and heal the socket.
Infection
Infection is another possible side effect of wisdom tooth extraction. To avoid infection, follow your dentist or oral surgeon’s post-surgery instructions carefully. This includes rinsing your mouth with saltwater and avoiding certain foods until you have fully recovered.
If you notice any signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or severe pain, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately. They may prescribe antibiotics to manage the infection.
Numbness
Numbness in the tongue, lips, and cheeks is also a possible side effect of wisdom tooth extraction. This happens when the nerves surrounding the surgical site are bruised or damaged during the surgery.
Numbness usually goes away within a few weeks or months. If you experience persistent numbness, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately.
Conclusion
Wisdom tooth extraction can have side effects, but they can be managed and treated. Swelling, pain, bleeding, dry socket, infection, and numbness are the most common side effects. To minimize the risk of complications, follow your dentist or oral surgeon’s post-surgery instructions carefully and contact them if you experience any severe pain, bleeding, or infection.
