Wisdom tooth extraction is a dental surgical procedure to remove wisdom teeth by accessing the tooth covered by gum tissue. This procedure is considered when the wisdom tooth doesn't have room to erupt, thus causing pain and could also lead to infection and other dental problems.
Wisdom Teeth develops in the early twenties(hence the name). Sometimes, Wisdom Teeth can be an asset but only if it is accurately aligned. However, in most cases, they are not appropriately aligned and need extraction.
To ensure our patients get a fast and quality recovery from wisdom teeth extraction, Dr Kumarswamy's Dental clinic's team prepared this list of do's and don'ts.
What to Expect - During the Procedure
Dentists and surgeons generally use one of three types of anaesthesia, depending on the complexity of the case and the comfort level of the patient.
Types of Anaesthesia
Local anaesthesia
Dentists inject local anaesthesia with one or more injections around the extraction region. This results in numbing the area. During the extraction procedure, you're completely conscious and awake. Patients do not sense any pain or discomfort apart from gentle pressure and movement.
Sedation Anaesthesia
Sedation Anaesthesia is injected through an intravenous (IV) line in your arm. It suppresses your consciousness during the procedure, which makes the patient sleepy and in an altered state of mind. Like any other anaesthesia, patients don't sense any pain and will have blur memory of the procedure because of the suppressed consciousness.
General anaesthesia
In exceptional cases, patients are referred to hospitals where they are injected with general anaesthesia. Patients inhale medication through their nose or an IV line in their arms. General anaesthesia is known for making patients unconscious. The surgeons monitor the patient's heart rate, temperature, breathing, and blood pressure. The patient sense no pain and have no memory of the Wisdom tooth extraction surgical procedure.
The Dos
Rest
Rest for at least 48 hours. However, this doesn't imply you need to be bedridden. Just ensure you do not stress the operated area for the next two days or do anything that might raise your blood pressure.
Try to keep your head Elevated
When resting, try keeping your head in an elevated position using a pillow to support your neck. Keeping your head in an upright position helps to lessen the amount of swelling.
Applying an ice pack after the surgical procedure
Using an Ice pack reduces the pain and aids in normalizing the swollen region. We recommend applying the ice pack for 30 minutes immediately after the procedure.
Prefer consuming liquid and soft food for a few days
To ensure the operated area doesn't get any stress, we recommend you have soups, mashed potatoes, yoghurts, milkshakes, and other foods available out there with a similar texture.
Eat from the other side
Even while having recommended soft food, try having them from the side opposite to the tooth removal. Not engaging the region can help fast recovery.
Be hydrated
Drink a sufficient amount of water without using a straw as the suction can dislodge the blood clot from the socket.
Brushing
Typically, you'll be told to resume brushing your teeth after the first 24 hours. You can rinse your mouth with warm salt water at least 3-4 times a day and continue doing this for a week. You can start gently brushing your teeth after the first 24hrs where; you should be gentle near the surgical wound and avoid brushing the wisdom teeth extraction area.
The Don'ts
Don't smoke
We recommend avoiding smoking for at least a week after tooth extraction. The chemicals can affect the clot and develop a dry socket.
Avoid eating solids
If you feel numbness in the region, it's best not to have solid foods. Once the numbness fades, you can then consider having some soft foods as listed above. Do not have anything crunchy, crispy, hot, and hard.
Avoid Aspirin
It is not recommended to take aspirin. As it acts as a blood thinner, this can delay the healing. Only consume those medicines prescribed by your dentist.
Don't poke into the gap created
Don't poke with your tongue, finger, tissue, or toothpick, as this can trigger bleeding, which affects the healing process and leads to a dry socket.
Schedule your wisdom teeth extraction today
We at Dr Kumarswamy's Dental Clinic consider our patient's safety and comfort as our prime interest. Our clinic holds the experience of 40+ Years in the dental industry. If you're ready to schedule your wisdom teeth extraction get in touch with us today!
Visit Dr Kumarswamy's Dental Clinic to experience the best possible orthodontic care.
Give us a call today: +91 99200 66551
Write to us: info@drkumarswamy.com