WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION

Wisdom teeth or third molars, are the last adult teeth to erupt in your mouth. They erupt on the top and bottom of both sides (right and left), usually between the ages of 17 and 25. But these days most people have either partially or fully impacted teeth and require removal as it creates a lot of issues otherwise. After the removal of wisdom teeth recovery typically takes between 1-3 weeks and will vary in length depending on:

  1. Age of the patient
  2. The medical condition of the patient
  3. If a tooth was impacted, which means it hasn’t emerged from below the gums yet or isn’t visible
  4. If complications occurred during the surgery.

DAYS AFTER SURGERY AND SYMPTOMS TO EXPECT

1–3 DAYS

  1. Swelling in and around tooth removal site with some swelling outside the face also.
  2. Pain in and around the Extraction area.
  3. Some amount of bleeding in the mouth.
  4. weird taste in my mouth.
  5. Reduced mouth opening.

4-14 Days

  1. Decreased swelling, bruising, and pain in mouth and cheeks
  2. Improvement in mouth opening.

COMPLICATIONS

  1. Dry sockets might happen 2-3 days after surgery. This is when the natural blood clot that forms in the extraction site is removed or dislodged before the site is healed, exposing bone or nerves.
  2. Damage to the inferior alveolar or lingual nerves is also possible causing transient paresthesia(Heaviness of half of the jaw and lip with or without tongue)
  3. Damage to Posterior Superior alveolar nerves causing hematoma.

In such cases, you need to report to the dentist immediately so that the treatment and medication can be started at the earliest.

POST- OP CARE

It’s important not to dislodge the blood clots forming in the back of your mouth or irritate the stitches. Like any scab, the blood over your wisdom tooth hole protects and heals the wound. Medications are to be taken as prescribed by the dentist.

During the first 24 hours:

  1. Hold onto the cotton or gauze at the site of extraction for 30-45 minutes after the procedure.
  2. Avoid rinsing your mouth, brushing, gargling, or spitting
  3. Avoid drinking alcohol, aerated drinks, or hot beverages
  4. Avoid chewing hard spicy food from the concerned site
  5. Avoid using a straw
  6. Avoid smoking for 5-7 days
  7. Avoid weight-lifting exercises for 3 days
  8. Ice cold packs extra-orally at the affected side

After 24 hours:

  1. Resume normal diet
  2. Warm saline rinses 3-4 times
  3. Brushing normally

If you are planning to undergo surgical wisdom tooth removal and have any doubts about Dos and Don’ts, please feel free to message us. Our expert oral Surgeons, who have experience of more than 10 years, will help you out in the best possible way. We are open 7 days a week to handle all dental emergencies.