What to Expect When Removing Wisdom Teeth: Tips and Precautions
It’s common for most people to have their wisdom teeth removed at some point in their lives. Our wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, grow in the back of our mouth and usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25.
Wisdom teeth removal is a standard procedure that involves extracting one or all four of our third molars. But what exactly should you expect during and after the procedure? Here are some tips and precautions that can help you prepare for the experience.
Before the Procedure
A few days before your scheduled appointment, you may need to plan for ways to manage post-surgery pain and swelling. You should also do the following:
– Stop smoking: smoking slows down the healing process and can increase your risk of complications during and after the surgery
– Arrange transportation: You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure, as anesthesia can impair your ability to drive
– Follow your dentist’s instructions: This may involve fasting for a certain number of hours before the surgery, taking prescribed medication, or using a special mouthwash.
During the Procedure
Wisdom teeth removal is performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure and your preference. Once the anesthesia takes effect, your dentist may:
– Make an incision in your gum to expose the tooth and bone
– Remove any bone blocking the tooth
– Divide the tooth into sections for easy removal
– Extract the tooth
– Stich the incision with dissolvable stitches if necessary
The whole procedure usually takes about 45 minutes, but it can vary based on the extent of the extraction and the number of teeth involved.
After the Procedure
After the surgery, it’s normal to experience some pain, swelling, and bleeding in the surgical area. You can manage these symptoms by:
– Applying an ice pack to your cheek to reduce swelling
– Taking painkillers as prescribed by your dentist
– Getting plenty of rest and avoiding any strenuous activity
– Eating soft foods, drinking plenty of fluids, and avoiding hot drinks
– Using saltwater rinses to clean your mouth
– Avoiding smoking, drinking through a straw, or spitting
Precautions to Take
If you’ve undergone a wisdom tooth extraction, it’s essential to follow certain precautions to avoid complications. These include:
– Avoiding hard, crunchy, and spicy foods that can irritate the extraction site
– Limiting physical activity for at least a week after surgery to prevent bleeding and swelling
– Avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol, and using tobacco products for at least 72 hours to reduce the risk of infection
– Practicing proper oral hygiene by brushing your teeth gently and avoiding the surgical site. You should also rinse your mouth frequently with saltwater to keep the area clean
– Following up with your dentist to monitor the healing process and remove the stitches if necessary
In conclusion, removing your wisdom teeth can be a bit daunting, but it’s a common and straightforward procedure that can give you relief from various dental problems. By following these tips and precautions, you can prepare for the procedure, ease any post-surgery discomfort, and ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.
