Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth and are generally the last teeth to develop.
While some people have no problems when these teeth emerge, others experience difficulty, particularly when there is not enough space in the jaw. In cases where the wisdom teeth are severely misaligned, or when there is insufficient space for the teeth to erupt properly, it is often necessary to have them removed.
Fortunately, our team is experienced in the removal of wisdom teeth and can guide you through the process. If you have experienced any pain or discomfort as your wisdom teeth begin to emerge, a removal procedure may be the best option for you. Read on to find out what to expect after the surgery …
What can I expect after surgery?
You can expect to experience some tenderness and swelling after you have had your wisdom teeth removed. You may also notice some blood in your mouth, which is completely normal. It can take some time to fully recover from your surgery, and in some cases, it can take a few weeks to recover completely from the procedure. You should, however, be able to resume most of your normal daily activities within a few days.
How should I take care of my wounds?
It’s essential that you take care of your surgical wounds following the procedure to ensure that you avoid infection, as well as any other potential complications. We will let you know how to best clean your mouth, but some tips include rinsing with salt water and gently cleaning your wound with gauze in order to absorb excess blood that may have built up.
During the first few days following surgery, it’s important that you don’t disturb or dislodge your stitches, so we recommend that you eat and drink carefully and avoid drinking with a straw. We also suggest that you don’t smoke, as this could hinder your recovery quite considerably. It’s also a good idea to avoid alcohol and caffeine while you recover.
Is there any way to ease discomfort?
It is quite normal to experience some pain and swelling after the procedure, and an ice pack is often helpful in minimising this discomfort. If necessary, we will prescribe some appropriate pain medication, and we may also recommend that you take a course of antibiotics to prevent infection while you heal. It’s important that you are careful when you brush your teeth — try and avoid the affected area while it still feels tender to the touch. You can also gently rinse your mouth out with salt water to ensure that the site of treatment stays clean, and exercise your jaw by slowly opening and closing it.
What can I eat?
One of the most important things to remember while you recover from your wisdom teeth removal surgery is to stay properly hydrated. Try and drink plenty of water throughout the day, as this will help with the healing process. As soon as you have an appetite, you can begin to eat again but stick to soft foods that don’t require a lot of chewing as this will minimise discomfort as well as the risk of bleeding. Some suitable soft foods include smoothies made with fresh fruits and vegetables; mashed vegetables like potatoes, pumpkin, and butternut squash; soups; and yoghurt. Make sure that you avoid very hot foods — opt instead for lukewarm soups and drinks that won’t burn your mouth. Also, try and eat and drink slowly and carefully, especially in the first few days following surgery so that you don’t dislodge your stitches or hurt yourself.
If your wisdom teeth are causing you any discomfort, please get in touch with us to arrange a consultation. We will perform an examination to determine the best treatment for your needs. We are also happy to answer any questions you might have about the wisdom teeth removal procedure. Make an appointment here.
To find out what the wisdom teeth removal procedure involves, have a look here.
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