According to the Surgeons’ Association, 70% of people have their wisdom teeth removed and 80% of those who don’t end up having problems within just seven years. For this reason, instant removal of wisdom teeth seems to be the most common action taken by dentists and oral surgeons.
Normally, these third molars will show between the ages of 16 and 22 and it is recommended that everybody visits the dentist regularly during this time to keep an eye on their progress. When they are first spotted, your dentist will decide what action to take and you may see them removed whilst under local or general anaesthetic. After the procedure is over, you will experience some discomfort so let’s look into some ways you can make this process a little easier.
Firstly, one of the most important steps in your recovery is the production of blood clots so you have to be careful not to dislodge these. As a result, you should steer clear of hot drinks, alcohol, and solid foods for the first couple of days. If you disrupt this healing process, it will become a whole lot more painful and prolonged. It is believed that most people recover within four days, although this could last up to a week.
For this time period, you want to keep everything to a minimum and not risk anything that could dislodge the blood clots; some people make the mistake of drinking through a straw but this simply concentrates all the force of sucking onto the affected area. Even brushing your teeth should be a careful procedure after wisdom teeth removal treatment; you shouldn’t brush at all for the first day. If you are experiencing pain, you can ask for a prescription pain killer or an over-the-counter alternative. Furthermore, an ice pack is a good investment for the swelling as this will ease the discomfort by numbing the area.
Ultimately, your dentist should tell you exactly what you should and shouldn’t do and if they haven’t, they should provide you with a list if asked. For example, a simple mixture of warm water and salt can help to keep the area clean and prevent an infection. In terms of food, they normally suggest starting soft and working your way back to normal again. If you can, get plenty of yoghurt and cottage cheese in the fridge before your surgery.
Overall, common sense is the most important thing you will need during the recovery period. If you’re still experiencing pain and discomfort, eat soft foods and use ice packs to numb the area. If you see discharge or experience extreme pain, visit the dentist because you may have an infection which, if left untreated, can cause serious damage. As long as you use your common sense, you will soon feel back to normal!
More at wisdomtoothpain.org
