Get Your Wisdom Teeth Removed the Right Way

Know what exactly happens when you remove your wisdom teeth, what precautions to take before and after you remove it. Go through the process effortlessly with the correct knowledge.

Are you experiencing symptoms that indicate you may be going through much more than a normal tooth infection or swollen gum? When it comes to dental care, it is best to know exactly what the problem with your teeth is before you treat it. You will be surprised to learn that most people do not even know about typical wisdom tooth symptoms, and tend to ignore them. So read on to know exactly what a wisdom tooth emergency feels like.

Wisdom teeth symptoms to watch out for

A wisdom tooth emergency typically has symptoms such as red or swollen gums, tender or bleeding gums, jaw pain, a swelling around the jaw, bad breath, an unpleasant taste in the mouth and food getting stuck. You may already be at the dentist with these symptoms.

Removing wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth that come in at a wrong angle, or that are infected generally need to be removed. This usually happens when your mouth is unable to accommodate the additional teeth coming in. Sometimes, the 2nd molar in front of your teeth may start to decay once the wisdom tooth erupts at an angle abutting this tooth. It's a good idea to take your dentist's advice and understand why exactly she/he suggests you remove them. You should be able to ask enough questions and clear all your doubts before you start the removal process. A common question you will be asked is the type of anaesthesia you want during the surgery: local, IV, sedation, or general. 

Do remember to tell your dentist if you are currently on any medication, and your medical history. You will need to complete some forms, and you may be asked to bring someone who can take care of you and can drive you back after the surgery. Remember, you do not want to be woozy and drive going back home. You can also let your employer know and take a couple of days off from work before you go ahead with the surgery.

The surgical process

The surgery can take around 45 minutes to complete depending on the complexity of the procedure, and your dentist will start by giving you the anaesthetic you requested earlier. Sometimes where a wisdom tooth is impacted/stuck an incision in your gum to take your wisdom tooth out may be neededwhich is closed with dissolving sutures. Gauze packs will also be placed on your gums to help clot formation and wound healing. These gauze packs will be removed about an hour after your procedure. 

Taking care of your teeth after surgery 

It is normal to expect swelling around your gums right after the surgery, and you may be in pain for some time. Your mouth generally will take about a week or two to heal completely, so you should use ice packs to feel better and reduce swelling in that area. Try to eat soft foods like pasta or soup, drink lots of water and avoid brushing your teeth in the area the first day after your surgery. It is a good idea to avoid smoking and alcohol for 24 hours, and also restrict drinking from a straw as sucking can loosen the blood clots in the wound. Also, avoiding any stressful activity for the immediate 24 hours after surgery, to help you heal faster. If for some reason, the clot in your wound breaks down and causes bleeding, you can try applying pressure on the wound with a gauze or a rolled up square of cotton. Hot salty mouthwashes done often, 24 hours after your procedure to hot bathe the wound are essential for 5 days to a week - 1 teaspoon fof salt in a mug of hot water as hot as you can stand. 

Wisdom teeth removal sounds a little complicated but with the right kind of treatment, you will heal very well and go through the entire process smoothly. If you do feel you are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above, give us a call and we will help you immediately. Our dental clinic helps you with wisdom teeth removal, tooth whitening, and other dental services

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