What to Expect When Getting Your Wisdom Tooth Removed
The last teeth to emerge in your mouth are wisdom teeth that usually erupt between the ages of 17-25. Most people have at least one impacted wisdom tooth, that is to say, the tooth does not have enough room to grow naturally, which is why it has to be removed by a surgical procedure. By getting your wisdom teeth removed — either because an impaction has been identified or the potential for them to cause issues, you can ensure they don’t damage the surrounding teeth and bones.
Despite it being one of the most common dental surgeries, most people are not unaware of what to expect during the procedure. Perhaps this is why you hear the stories about their daunting experiences. To help you keep your recovery stories on the lighter side, we have laid out a quick guide on what you should know about the procedure and recovery process before going under.
What to Expect During the Surgery?
According to the American Dental Association, you should have your wisdom tooth checked while its roots are developing, that is, around the age of 20, to check for impaction. Your dentist will likely recommend you to get the molars removed in a single outpatient procedure. The wisdom tooth removal surgery usually takes up to 45minutes. However, with anesthesia, you shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. But after the sedation wears off, you can expect some pain.
How to Take Care of Yourself After the Surgery?
After the procedure is complete, you can expect some pain, swelling, and slight bleeding. Apart from the lingering discomfort, you might also experience symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and even shivering, which may subside in the next 48 to 72 hours, so it should not be a cause of worry. Before you leave your dentist’s clinic, they will also tell you about how to take care of your mouth to facilitate recovery. Our expert dental surgeon and oral care therapist, Dr. Lucas, recommends the following
- Try not to dislodge the blood clot from where the teeth have been removed
- To avoid brushing, spitting, or rinsing on the day of the procedure
- To avoid hard sugary foods and beverages such as candies, aerated drinks, or even tea or coffee
How to Speed Up The Healing Process?
The wisdom tooth removal surgery can be slightly painful, and in most cases, you can resume your daily activities after the first few days of the surgery. However, you can speed up the healing process by taking extra precautions to prevent the wound from dislodging and following some simple steps.
- To curb swelling in the targeted area, place an ice pack over your jaw. The cold compress can help reduce inflammation and the discomfort that comes with it.
- To mitigate the pain that comes along with the surgery, you can take a prescription pain killer prescribed by your oral surgeon or an over-the-counter pain reliever.
We understand that wisdom tooth removal surgery can be daunting, but it is an important procedure to ensure good oral health, so you should not put it off. To book an appointment with Dr. Tatiana Lucas, get in touch with us today!