Try saying “wisdom tooth removal” in front of adults, and you can definitely hear a few horror stories of pain, bleeding, and swelling. The wisdom tooth extraction process may not be as bad as you perceived, or it could be far worse for more than one reason.
These are the third and final set of molars that erupt in the late teens and early 20s as per the American Dental Association. They may get stuck or squeeze in a spot with little to no room most of the time, crowding the rest of the teeth.
Moreover, they may erupt at a flat angle and get trapped within the jawbone, causing excessive pain, watery cysts, and damaged bones or teeth, according to Mayo Clinic. In turn, wisdom tooth removal becomes inevitable, and if you’re in the same boat, then here are three things to consider:
1) Wisdom Tooth Removal Requires Some Preparations:
Wisdom tooth removal is a step-by-step process that begins with a dental consultation. Your periodontist will recommend an x-ray to determine the placement of your teeth. He will also assess your wisdom teeth’ condition and the rest of the dental structure. That includes the shape of your jawbone before making any recommendations.
Some people would get one of the wisdom teeth removed while others require extraction of all four to preserve the bite and dental alignment. After a consultation, you can schedule an appointment with detailed instructions on your diet and off-the-counter painkillers and other medicines.
Typically, it’s an outpatient surgery/treatment, so you’ll be going home the same day. Nevertheless, it will cause pain and bleeding, especially on the first. You can also expect bruising and swelling for a week, so use an icepack to lessen the effects.
2) It’s a Routine Procedure:
Today, wisdom tooth removal has become a routine dental treatment to heal the pain caused due to impact. Over years of practice and refinement, the procedure has become swift, safe, and quick for a painless experience. Your dentist will administer general anesthesia, sedation, or local anesthesia, depending on the complex position and your nervousness level.
Once you’re under anesthesia, the doctor will loosen and disconnect surrounding tissues before popping out the wisdom teeth. According to oral surgeons and dentists, the entire process is more about finesse than force and requires extensive training.
Once your dentist removes the tooth, they stitch and bandage the surgical site for quick healing. Since you’ll still be under the influence of anesthesia, it’s best to bring someone with you for a drive to home and aftercare.
3) You’ll Need to Alter Your Diet After Surgery:
For the first few days after surgery, you need to maintain a liquid diet to speed up the healing process. Increase the intake of soups, clear broth, yogurt, smoothies, shakes, and pudding and, after that, move to a semi-solid and solid diet.
For another weak, you’ll rely on semi-solid, soft food such as boiled potatoes, vegetable purees, applesauce, noodles, oatmeal, and porridges. You’ll be able to resume a regular diet within two weeks, depending on the condition of your wisdom teeth sockets but stay away from crunchy and chewy foods for complete recovery.
If your wisdom teeth are causing you discomfort, feel free to reach out to us for professional consultation and wisdom teeth removal.