What to Expect after Wisdom Teeth Extraction
As being the last set of teeth to grow, the wisdom teeth have a greater tendency of being misaligned. If they grow horizontally or angled away from the adjacent tooth, they can pose problems to your other teeth, jawbone and even your nerves. A wisdom tooth that grows partially hidden from view, typically enclosed within the gums, is called an impacted tooth. This kind of tooth will need to be removed because its partial positioning creates a pathway for bacteria to enter the inner chambers of the tooth and eventually cause an infection. Impacted wisdom teeth are also highly prone to gum disease and decay because they are much harder to brush than properly aligned wisdom teeth. If this is the case, wisdom teeth extraction is necessary. A well-trained, competent dentist should be able to handle wisdom teeth extraction flawlessly. Dr. John Batlle talks about wisdom teeth extraction and what you can do to speed up recovery.
What is Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Wisdom teeth extraction is the removal of the wisdom teeth, as recommended by the dentist. It falls under the category of oral surgery and can be skillfully done by a competent, well-trained dental professional. This procedure is necessary when the wisdom tooth grows abnormally; thus, increasing the potential of tooth misalignment, crowded teeth, jaw problems and many more complications.
Your Speedy Recovery after Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Typically, a patient who has undergone wisdom teeth extraction can fully recover in a matter of days. It is very important to follow the doctor’s advice and instructions, so that you can quickly recover and resume your regular activities. Here’s Dr. Batlle’s advice on post-extraction care.
- Take it easy after the procedure. Limit your activities and try to relax yourself. Exerting yourself can raise your heart rate and increase bleeding.
- Prop up your head with pillows while sleeping. This helps control bleeding.
- Change gauze pads as often as necessary. Don’t wait for the gauze pad to be soaked with blood before you decide to change it. This helps control infection.
- Bite the gauze pad every so often. The pressure this creates can speed up the formation of a clot.
- Eat soft foods like mashed potatoes, eggs, and soup. Try not to chew on the treated area.
- Refrain from smoking for the first 24 hours after the procedure. Smoking can cause infection, while it delays healing.
- Brush and floss your teeth gently. It is important to keep your teeth clean, but be careful when you brush around the treated area.
- Do not eat immediately after the procedure. This is because your mouth may still be numb from anesthesia. This avoids biting and hurting your cheeks in the process of eating.
- Drink from the glass and not from the straw. The act of sipping from a straw can delay the formation of a blood clot.
Visit Southwest Family Dentistry, in Lake City FL, for Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Dr. John Batlle has been performing wisdom teeth extractions for many years. You can trust him to do a great job in removing your impacted wisdom teeth. Feel free to call us at (386) 752-1220
(386) 752-1220. Our office hours are from 8 AM to 5 PM Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 8 AM to 4 PM on Wednesdays, and 8 AM to 1 PM on Fridays. We look forward to talking with you soon!
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