Do’s And Don’ts When Undergoing Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom teeth appear between ages 17 and 25, and although it is fine to let them come through, there are cases when it is best to remove them. Why? That is because they may become impacted, meaning there is no longer enough space for them to break through your gums completely. This fact is just one of the many things you have to learn about wisdom teeth and their removal. If you want to learn more, then proceed to read the information below.

1. Humans during the prehistoric times had stronger and larger jaws. These were large enough for wisdom teeth to come out without a problem, thereby helping them chew coarse foods. However, evolution has made modern jaw size smaller, making it less likely for wisdom teeth to come through, hence, the need for removal.

2. People may or may not feel the symptoms if their wisdom teeth erupt. However, it does not mean that if there are no symptoms, they will also become disease-free. In fact, this is the time when you need to monitor them to prevent the development of diseases, such as infections, damage to the neighboring teeth, lesions, and cysts or tumors.

3. In terms of wisdom tooth removal, the procedure is best done while the roots are about two-thirds developed – this is the stage when it is easy to remove them. Otherwise, you will lose that window of opportunity to remove them, and increase the risk of injuring a nerve.

4. The procedure entails receiving either local anesthesia or laughing gas. You may choose to receive local anesthesia wherein you will be sedated during the process, and feel less alert and sleepy afterwards, or the laughing gas, which would not let you feel anything, but hear everything.

5. The discomfort you may feel afterwards is dependent on your tolerance level. Regardless, your oral surgeon may prescribe you with narcotics, or if you do not want that option, you can combine Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Just make sure not to take more than 3,000 mg of Tylenol and 2,400mg of Ibuprofen within the 24-hour period. Expect that swelling will occur within 48 to 72 hours, so prepare your ice pack compresses to help reduce the swelling.

6. Intermittent bleeding may occur within the first few days as well. To control it, you will be provided gauze to bite for about 15-30 minutes. It also helps to bite on a moist tea bag because of the natural constrictors tea contains.

7. You will be on a soft diet for 4-5 days, which means you can enjoy eating as much ice cream, yogurt, smoothies or puddings as you want during this period. You also need to avoid foods that require too much chewing, so pastas, scrambled eggs, and mashed potato are your best choices for the meantime.

8. Yes, you may brush your teeth, but not too vigorously. Avoid brushing or flossing around the affected sites, and rinsing for the first 24 hours.

9. If you have work you cannot set aside for a few days, it is best to have the removal scheduled on a Thursday or Friday. However, if you know you will need strong pain medication, take the needed time off from work.

There are things you need to keep in mind before and after a wisdom tooth removal procedure. However, one thing you should not definitely remember most of all is not to drive when taking narcotics, or engage in strenuous workouts or heavy lifting. Even playing wind instruments is prohibited within the first week after the surgery.

Categories: Dental