At the age of 17 to 25 is when people grow wisdom teeth. Your dentist can spot them on x-rays. However, wisdom teeth can cause a lot of complications. This is the reason why most people undergo wisdom teeth extractions. If your dentist decides it is time you had your wisdom teeth extracted, he may send you to an oral surgeon.
Several reasons necessitate having this procedure:
You will make an appointment with your oral surgeon and discuss the process in detail. During this appointment:
You have to arrive at the dental clinic at least an hour before the set time for the procedure so that anesthesia can be administered. To eliminate any discomfort, pain, or anxiety, one of these kinds of anesthesia will be applied:
The longest this procedure can take is 45 minutes. There may be a need for your doctor to cut the jawbone or gums to pave the way for your wisdom teeth. If this happens, the wounds will be stitched shut to accelerate healing.
As the anesthesia wears off, the numbness in your mouth will fade. It is normal to experience some swelling and pain and the occasional appearance of blood in the mouth. Feel free to use a cold compress on the affected site. Your doctor will prescribe some medications before sending you home. It is mandatory to have somebody drive you home.
Your mouth should be well-taken care of to keep complications and infections at bay. You will receive instructions from your surgeon on how best to do this.
It would be best if you didn’t brush or floss for a day. Rinsing using salt water to clean the wound is recommended, and when done, do not spit the water. Instead, lower your mouth and let it fall out. Also, it is advised to use a gauze dab for your wound to absorb the excess blood gently.
In about two days, you can jump to your normal routine, but care should be taken not to disrupt the stitches or blood clots as dislodging the latter will cause you pain and increase the risk of infection. Avoid the following activities during recovery:
A good diet and staying hydrated is key to a quick recovery. After the surgery, you have to start with soft foods that do not require much chewing and avoid disrupting the stitches and blood clots. Your doctor may recommend:
At all costs, stay away from hot foods and drinks, seeds, and nuts. When you get a little better, you can go back to your normal diet.
Are you looking to have a wisdom teeth extraction procedure near you? Why don’t you visit us at Gentle Dental Care? Our dentist in Lansing, MI, has over a three-decade experience. Call us today and book an appointment.