The Do's and Don'ts of Wisdom Teeth Removal: Your Guide to Faster Healing
Understanding Wisdom Teeth Removal: What You Need to Know
Wisdom teeth is the last of the molars to come through at the very back of your mouth. You probably have them by the time you reach your early twenties, although some people get them at an earlier or later age. Wisdom tooth extraction is the removal of these teeth and is sometimes not a very straightforward procedure, depending on how they are present.
For a lot of people, wisdom teeth erupt normally and fit well in the mouth without any issues. But for some, there is simply not enough space in the mouth to accommodate them. Also, they can be at an angle or horizontally placed and get stuck underneath your gums or teeth. This is known as an 'impacted wisdom tooth' and needs special care during extraction. If partially erupted, these teeth are hard to clean, plus food and plaque can get trapped underneath the gums, leading to swollen and painful gums, cavities and infection. Extraction of wisdom teeth is indicated if you are facing symptoms or there is a danger to the adjacent molar.
How is Wisdom teeth removal performed?
Unless it is an emergency, wisdom teeth removal should be planned in advance. So, schedule it in such a way that you get at least a few days to rest. Talk to your dentist about what you might encounter and plan accordingly. It will take a few days to heal from the extraction. So here are a few things you can expect and that you should keep in mind to speed up the recovery process.
Day of Extraction
Depending on your choice of anaesthesia, the extraction can be done either only under local anaesthesia or with additional sedation for a more comfortable procedure.
Post-extraction instructions to be followed:
- Bite down gently yet firmly on the gauze pack placed by your dentist over the extraction area. The gauze should remain in place and exert pressure to control bleeding. After one hour, it can be replaced with a new one and may then be changed again until bleeding is completely stopped.
- Do not rinse your mouth, gargle or probe the area with any object. The extraction site should not be disturbed under any circumstances. It is important not to disturb the clot, which is necessary for the smooth healing of the socket.
- Apply ice to the outside of your face: Ice helps to reduce swelling, bleeding as well as pain. Never apply ice directly to the skin. Instead, wrap it up in a towel and apply. Apply every 20 minutes – so it should be 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
- Keep your mouth clean: It is important to maintain good oral hygiene in order to expedite the process of wound healing. So, you can start to gently brush at night. Avoid brushing near the extraction site
- Saltwater rinses:You can gently swish your mouth with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water to keep your mouth clean starting 24 hours after the extraction and only if there is negligible bleeding. Do not spit out the water; let it drip into the sink when you are done. Continue this for a few days, 2-3 times a day, to reduce swelling and help the healing process.
- Bleeding: Some amount of bleeding is normal after the extraction, which may continue up to 24-48 hours later. Keep the pressure active by biting firmly on the gauze for an hour after extraction so that the bleeding stops.. Apply ice.
Severe bleeding implies that you are biting the gauze with your teeth but not exerting any pressure on the extraction area. So, reposition the gauze over the area. Sit in an upright or reclined position versus lying down. Keeping a moistened tea bag in the area for about 30 minutes is another solution. The tannic acid in the tea leaves helps to control the bleeding by promoting blood clotting. If bleeding is uncontrolled, then you should contact your dentist.
- Swelling: It is normal for your face on the side of the extraction to swell up. The swelling will persist for the next 2-3 days. Use ice packs to minimize.
- Pain: Some degree of discomfort and mild pain are common after the extraction. It will start when the anaesthesia begins to wear off. But this can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medicines like ibuprofen, paracetamol, etc. There are stronger prescription medicines available, too, but some patients may experience nausea. Take medicine prior to wearing off the anaesthetic. The most pain you will experience is for about six hours after the local anaesthetic wears off.
- Diet: Don't eat anything until the anaesthesia has worn off and your sensation in the mouth, including the tongue, has returned, as you might inadvertently bite your tongue while eating.
You will have to follow a soft and nutritious diet. You should stick to soups, puddings, milkshakes, and yoghurt for the first few days after the extraction. Don't skip meals since you need to nourish your body to heal faster. Avoid extremely hot (tea/ coffee), spicy and hard food or food that needs to be chewed. Also, avoid food like nuts, sunflower seeds, and popcorn, which can get stuck in the socket. Gradually start with your normal diet. Do not use a straw to drink for the first few days or any other activity involving a sucking motion, such as smoking.
Important Reminders for Post-Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Rest: Avoid strenuous activities for several days. Rest throughout the first-day post-surgery, using pillows to elevate your head.
- Slow Movements: Get up slowly from a lying position to avoid dizziness.
- No Smoking: Strictly avoid smoking during the healing period to prevent complications and slow recovery.
- Watch for Dry Sockets: Follow care instructions to prevent dry sockets, which can be painful. Contact your dentist if this occurs.
- Mouthwash Use: Start using an antiseptic mouthwash for gently rinsing the mouth after 2-3 days.
- Expect Discomfort: The first two days may be uncomfortable due to swelling and bleeding; improvement should begin by day three.