About 5 million patients have wisdom teeth extracted every year. It’s a common procedure because your third molars are vestigial, no longer necessary due to evolutionary changes. In fact, wisdom teeth tend to create problems now, rather than solving any.
The tooth extraction specialists at Arya Dental in Fullerton California, can help you when your wisdom teeth become an issue. Contemporary dental techniques keep your discomfort under control.
We’ll also advise you about self-care during recovery after your extraction. Today, we’ll give you a preview of what to expect, to go along with information specific to your case that you’ll get when you visit.
The last of your permanent teeth to appear, wisdom teeth typically erupt between ages of about 17 and 25. We may extract any or all of your wisdom teeth, depending on their position and orientation.
Sometimes wisdom teeth remain impacted, remaining partially or completely covered by your gums. Other times, wisdom teeth grow in at an angle, embedded in the bone of your jaw.
These factors play a role in your procedure, determining how you’re anesthetized or sedated, as well as whether you need stitches to close surgical incisions. We’ll advise you of the necessary approach prior to your appointment.
You won’t feel much immediately after extraction or in the next few hours until anesthesia begins to wear off. It’s common to have swelling, discomfort, pain, and bleeding during this time.
We’ll give you instructions for care of your extraction sockets as well as how to take pain medication to stay comfortable. It’s a good idea to have cold compresses and ice packs on hand to minimize swelling and pain.
You can eat soft foods like yogurt or applesauce on the day of your procedure. Keep things soft and bland to avoid irritating or filling extraction sockets. Don’t smoke, drink alcohol or caffeine, or use straws when drinking because these actions can compromise the blood clots that form in the sockets, a very important part of your recovery.
Similarly, to help protect the clots, don’t brush, use mouthwash, or spit. Rinse your mouth with saltwater according to the instructions we give you at the time of your surgery. Dislodging a clot can lead to a harmless but very painful condition called dry socket.
You can resume mild regular activity the day after your surgery. Avoid exertion, particularly activities that could dislodge a blood clot or strain the stitches closing your wounds.
Most patients will feel improvements by the third day, though it may take longer if you have impacted wisdom teeth or other complications to your extractions.
Continue avoiding chewy, hard, sticky, or spicy foods to prevent damage to the wounds in your mouth. Consider these soft foods instead:
Add gentle brushing to your saltwater rinse routine, taking special care around the area around your extraction sockets.
If necessary, we’ll remove your stitches in about a week. After about 10 days, soreness or stiffness in your jaw should be retreating; and if you had bruising on your face this should be gone or faded.
You won’t need a follow-up appointment if you have dissolving or no stitches, and your mouth continues to heal.
Contact our office if you have persistent symptoms or if new pain arises. In particular, be on the alert for:
These can be signs of infection, nerve damage, or other complications.
Contact Arya Dental to learn more about wisdom tooth extraction. You can schedule a consultation online or by calling our office directly. Plan your visit today.
