What to Expect After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical dentistry procedure to remove your wisdom teeth. The wisdom teeth are the four permanent teeth located at the corner of your mouth, both top and bottom. The extraction is done when they have no room to grow and are impacted, thus resulting in pain, infection or other dental problems.
Here are some things you should know about wisdom teeth extraction, including why it’s done and aftercare.
Reasons for Extracting Your Wisdom Teeth
Most people may have their wisdom teeth removed for many reasons. These include:
- They are impacted. Impacted teeth are teeth that do not come in normally. Because the wisdom teeth are far back in your mouth, they can be impacted, and this means that they can be trapped in your gums or jawbone and can be so painful.
- You have gum disease or cavities. Since the wisdom teeth are at the back, reaching them with your dental floss or toothbrush can be difficult. This may lead to cavities.
- If your mouth is not big enough. If your mouth is small, it makes the jaw small. Thus, there is no room for an extra set of molars.
How to Take care of Your Oral Health After the Teeth Removal?
After the surgical procedure by your Downtown Seattle dentist, there are aftercare instructions that you should adhere to. Here are the guidelines ion ow to handle different circumstances:
- Bleeding. It is normal for blood to ooze from the surgical site on the first day following the procedure. You should, however, avoid spitting excessively as it may dislodge the blood from its socket. Replace the gauze placed over the extraction as advised by your dentist.
- Pain and management. Pain can be dealt with by taking prescribed painkillers or over-the-counter drugs. You can also relive your pain by holding an ice pack against the jaw. If the pain persists, you can let your dentist know.
- Bruising and swelling. You can use an ice pack as directed by your dentist to reduce the swelling. Any swelling of your cheeks will improve after at most three days. Bruising, however, may take several days for it to go away.
- Activity. Following the procedure, it is recommended to rest for the remaining part of your day. Then, you can resume your activities the next day. But for at least a week till you recover, you should avoid strenuous activity that may delay the healing process.
- Cleaning your mouth. You are not supposed to brush, rinse your mouth, spit or use a mouthwash during the first 24 hours after the treatment. Although your dentist will ask you to resume brushing after 24 hours, you should be gentle when brushing the area near the surgical teeth.
- You should also use a slaty water solution to rinse your mouth after every meal and after every two hours.
- Food. Take only soft foods such as applesauce, cold soup, or yogurt for the first 24 hours following the procedure. Then, start incorporating semisoft foods as you heal. Avoid spice, hard, hot, or chewy foods that might get stuck in the socket and may delay the healing process.
- Beverages. You should drink a lot of water after the treatment. Avoid alcoholic, carbonated, caffeinated, or hot drinks for the first 24 hours following the procedure. Don’t drink using a straw for at least one week, as the sucking action might dislodge the blood clot at the surgical site.
- Tobacco use. If you always smoke, you should try not to smoke for at least three days following the surgery. You can wait longer than if it’s possible. If you chew tobacco, try to avoid doing so for at least one week. Using tobacco products may increase the risk of an infection or co placations and may delay the healing.
- Stitches. Your dentist might use stitches that dissolve within one week or not have them. If your stitches have to be removed, ensure that you schedule an appointment with your dentist.
If you are looking for a place in Seattle for your wisdom teeth removal, visit Seattle Sound Dental. We have an experienced oral surgeon who has been doing this for more than 15 years for the people in Seattle. Book your appointment today through our online website.