Dos & Don'ts after Wisdom Tooth Removal Treatment

What is Wisdom Tooth Removal?

It is a dental procedure specifically targeting the last molars in an adult mouth. It entails permanently removing the molars, usually because they are problematic. The process for wisdom tooth extraction near you is often dissimilar to standard tooth removal processes. More often than not, our dentist in Edmonton will result in surgery when removing the wisdom tooth.

Why Would a Dentist Need to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth removal is not a standard procedure for every adult. Many adults get to keep their molars all their lives. Therefore, if our dentist has recommended removing your wisdom tooth, it is probably for one of the following reasons:

1. Infection – if the tooth is infected, you may need to remove it. Wisdom teeth are highly susceptible to infections and dental cavities because they are hard to reach when brushing or flossing.
2. Impacted Teeth – erupt improperly, remaining stuck under the gums. Some wisdom teeth can remain wholly stuck under the gums or partially protrude to the surface. Either way, such teeth can cause jaw and gum pain when you chew food.
3. Abscessed Teeth – an abscess features a pocket filled with pus, typically forming at the roots of teeth near the gum line.
4. Crookedness and Crowding – your jaw may not have sufficient room to accommodate wisdom teeth. Our dentist may recommend removing them if they constrict the space, overlapping adjacent teeth.

Is Wisdom Tooth Removal Painful?

Ideally, removing any tooth from your mouth is a painful process. However, modern dentistry provides ways to undergo such dental procedures pain-free. Our dentist will incorporate local anesthesia to numb your mouth. Besides, (s)he can employ sedation dentistry to calm your nerves and relax your body and mind during the extraction process.

How Should You Care for Your Mouth After Wisdom Tooth Removal?

The success of any wisdom tooth extraction lies in your aftercare measures post-treatment. Therefore, at Great Smile Family Dental, we arm our patients with ample information about how they should care for their mouths after surgery, including the following tips:

Do’s After Wisdom Tooth Removal

1. Keep the Gauze in Place – the first 48 hours are crucial to your healing. A clean cloth or gauze will help stop the bleeding, allowing your body to form a blood clot on the wound. Change the gauze after every 30 to 60 minutes accordingly.
2. Drink Water – you need to keep your body hydrated during the recovery period. Besides, water will flush down any toxins in your mouth and neutralize the acidity thereof.
3. Keep Your Mouth Clean – you cannot avoid brushing your teeth until your mouth is fully healed. Instead, switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and be gentle with the brushing motions.
4. Eat Soft Foods – your body needs energy and nutrients from foods. However, ensure you eat soft foods only, especially during the first 48 hours. As you heal, you should be able to integrate other foods into your diet.
5. Rest – it may feel like you are wasting time, but resting is paramount for quick recovery. It allows your body to relax and instead focus on healing the extraction wound.
6. Keep Your Head Elevated – you may need to use an extra pillow to support your head when you lie down. Elevating the head reduces blood pooling, hence alleviating pain and swelling.

Don’ts After Wisdom Tooth Removal

1. Using a Straw – although it may feel like a wise idea, it is not. Drinking through a straw introduces dry air to your mouth that may cause dry socket syndrome.
2. Skipping Pain Medication – there is a reason our dentist prescribes pain medicine after the extraction procedure. It will help manage your pain and alleviate the swelling.
3. Dislodging the Clot on the Wound – resist the urge to run your tongue over the wound or remove the blood clot. Its role is to stop bleeding and allow for healing.
4. Chewing on the Side of the Extraction Wound – even though you are eating soft foods, keep them away from the extraction site.
5. Consuming Hot Foods and Drinks – they can burn the soft tissue of your mouth, exacerbating the pain of the wound.

Visit a Tooth Removal Dentist Near You

Are you in search of wisdom teeth removal in Edmonton? Call or schedule your appointment with Great Smile Family Dental today!