About 5 million people have their wisdom teeth removed every year! That’s around 10 million third molars and over $3 billion.
If you’re gearing up to have your wisdom teeth removed, then don’t fret. It’s one of the most common dental surgeries out there.
Recovering after a wisdom tooth extraction can be painful, but it’s a good excuse to eat ice cream! To learn more about the recovery process, read this.
Who Needs a Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
The wisdom teeth are the third set of four molars that are located in the back of your mouth on the top and bottom. They begin to grow in between ages 17 and 25. Some reasons that your dentist might recommend you have them removed are based on x-rays.
Your wisdom teeth may appear to be impacted, which means they are trapped beneath your jawbone or gums. This may later cause an infection in your bone. It can also be painful.
Another reason to remove them maybe because they are at an odd angle or there is not enough space in your mouth. This can cause your other teeth to shift and create issues with your bite later on.
Because your wisdom teeth are located in the back of your mouth they are also prone to gum disease and cavities. If this is the case, then your dentist may recommend you remove them before they worsen.
What Can You Expect?
If you got local anesthesia or sedation for the surgery, then you will probably wake up in the dental chair. However, if you chose general anesthesia then you will probably be taken to a recovery room. It takes longer to wake up from general anesthesia.
This means you may not remember how you got to the recovery room. It’s normal to feel a bit disorientated.
For most, recovering from a wisdom tooth extraction will only take a couple of weeks at the most. You will most likely be mostly healed within four days. Recover can vary depending on your particular case and whether or not your teeth are impacted.
The days following your extraction you may notice that your mouth is swollen and tender. You may have some bruising on your cheeks as well. The amount of pain you experience can depend on how complex the extraction was.
Speedy Recovery
It’s normal to notice blood in your mouth and feel sore in the days following your extraction. You can do a few things to help speed the process along. Make sure you avoid strenuous activity.
You can place an ice pack on sore areas to reduce swelling and help with the healing process. Avoid hot liquids or rinsing and spitting, this could dislodge the blood clots that have formed in the wounds. Instead, after 24 hours you may gently rinse your mouth out with antiseptic mouthwash.
You should also avoid smoking or drinking alcohol within 24 hours of your surgery. Make sure you eat soft foods and liquids for a few days after your surgery. If the pain or discomfort is extreme it’s okay to take pain killers as prescribed.
Pain-Free & Feeling Fine
Although a wisdom tooth extraction can involve some pain and discomfort, the recovery time is typically short. You’ll be pain-free and feeling like your normal self again in no time!
If you do have any intense pain, numbness, or excessive bleeding, you should notify your doctor immediately.
We hope these tips have helped you prepare for a speedy recovery from your surgery! Visit our blog for some more useful tips.