8 Tips Before Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction Surgery
Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that many people get done to help prevent problems down the road. Some of these issues include impacted teeth, cysts, tooth decay, gum disease and damage to surrounding teeth or the jaw bone.
Some of the most common symptoms that you might need to have your wisdom teeth removed include bleeding that won’t stop after 24 hours, difficulty or pain with opening the mouth and/or jaw (trismus), a painful infection called dry socket.
1. Make Your Appointment
Your first step in wisdom teeth removal surgery is to schedule your consultation. This will allow the surgeon to examine your impacted or decayed teeth and determine whether they are safe to remove or need to be removed entirely. During your consultation, your surgeon will take x-rays and perform a physical examination. They may prescribe antibiotics and/or painkillers to manage the discomfort until the surgery can be performed.
To extract your impacted or damaged wisdom teeth, your dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the tooth and the surrounding bone. They will then remove the impacted tooth and stitch up the wound. After the procedure, you should avoid smoking and vigorous physical activity, as both can cause bleeding at the extraction site.
Make sure to bring your dental insurance card, ID, and any additional paperwork you might need with you to your appointment. You should also arrange for transportation home, as you will likely be groggy from the anesthesia and not able to drive.
2. Schedule a Pre-Execution Consultation
A wisdom tooth extraction is a procedure to remove the final four molars from the top and bottom of your mouth. It is usually recommended when they are impacted or trapped in the jaw bone due to incorrect growth, overcrowding or other issues.
Your dentist will perform the surgery under local anesthesia or, occasionally general anesthesia. The extraction is typically painless and takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on the number of wisdom teeth involved.
The surgeon will open the gum tissue and then remove the impacted tooth or a small section of bone that covers it. They may also need to cut the tooth into smaller pieces if it can’t break through the gum opening. Once the tooth is removed, they will put stitches in your gums to close them. After the procedure, it’s important to maintain a soft diet and avoid drinking through straws, which can dislodge blood clots and cause more bleeding. It’s also essential to rinse your mouth with salt water five or six times a day and take antibiotics as prescribed.
3. Schedule a Post-Execution Consultation
Your wisdom teeth—also known as third molars—appear between the ages of late teens and early 20’s. Unfortunately, many mouths are too small to accommodate these four extra molars, which can result in overcrowding and misalignment of your other teeth. When this occurs, a surgical extraction (removal) procedure may be necessary.
During the removal process, your oral surgeon will make a small cut (incision) in the gum tissue to expose your tooth. Then, they’ll remove any bone that covers your tooth and divide it into sections to make it easier to extract it through the opening in your gum.
Some oozing of blood and swelling will occur after the procedure, but you can manage these symptoms by following a soft or liquid diet for the first few days. You should also avoid spitting or chewing on the side of your mouth that has undergone surgery to prevent dislodging a blood clot from the socket. Over-the-counter and prescription pain medications can help ease any discomfort you might experience. If you have any questions or concerns, our team is here to help!
4. Prepare Your Home
The thought of oral surgery can be frightening, but it’s important to remember that wisdom tooth extraction is a routine procedure. A good dentist will walk you through the process beforehand to ease your fears.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. It’s also a good idea to get a friend or family member to drive you home after the surgery. You won’t be able to brush or rinse your mouth for 24 hours, and spitting or swishing could disturb the surgical site.
You’ll need to follow a soft or liquid diet for the first few days, and avoid irritating the surgical site with hard or sticky foods. It’s also a good idea not to smoke because the nicotine and tar interfere with healing.
Your surgeon will give you specific guidelines for postoperative care, but some general tips include:
5. Bring a Friend or Family Member
You will need a friend or family member to drive you home after the surgery, as the general anesthesia and/or sedative will make it unsafe for you to operate a vehicle. Your escort can also help you purchase food and water for your recovery, so you have everything you need to heal faster. It is important to stay on a liquid and soft food diet until the extraction site heals. Avoid drinking through a straw, as the suction can dislodge blood clots and expose healing tissue to infection.
Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that helps prevent recurring problems like decay, infection and damage to other healthy teeth. While the surgery may sound intimidating, you can make it easier by taking some time to prepare ahead of time. By following these tips, you can feel more confident about the procedure and ensure a quick and successful recovery. Be sure to talk to your dentist or oral surgeon about the best options for you. They will be happy to explain the procedure in detail so you are well-informed and prepared.
6. Stock Up on Soft Foods
In the first 24 hours after wisdom teeth extraction, it is best to avoid hard or chewy foods as they can cause pain and interfere with healing. This is because the empty tooth sockets need time to form blood clots that protect them from infection. Drinking liquids and eating soft, cold foods can help you heal quickly.
Some good options include mashed potatoes, jello, yogurt (especially the kind that has no fruit seeds), scrambled eggs and soups such as chicken noodle, minestrone or New England clam chowder. You can also make healthy smoothies using milk, ice and fruit or vegetables. Just make sure you don’t use a straw, as it can dislodge the vital blood clots.
Other good choices include sliced avocado, which is rich in protein and has a creamy texture. Mashed bananas are also good, as are berries such as raspberries and strawberries. Another tasty option is cooked pumpkin, which is high in potassium and vitamin A and C. Just be sure the pumpkin is completely mashed and cooled before you eat it.
7. Take Care of Your Gums
If you have impacted or recurrent wisdom teeth problems, such as pain while eating or food getting stuck, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend extraction. It is a common procedure that most dentists conduct on a regular basis. The Bipper Media site has more information here that you may find useful.
During your pre-extraction consultation, your oral surgeon will give you detailed instructions for the days leading up to and following surgery. These will include a list of guidelines for your recovery. Make sure you read through them so you have a clear understanding of what to expect.
You will need to rinse your mouth 3-4 times per day with warm water and salt. You can also use a mouthwash that contains antibacterial agents to help keep the surgical area clean. Be careful not to swish the mouthwash around, as this could dislodge blood clots and contribute to dry socket. Additionally, you should stock up on softer foods such as yogurt, soup or ice cream. Remember that it will be difficult to chew anything hard or crunchy after the surgery. It is also a good idea to pick up any prescribed or over-the-counter medications that you may need for pain management.
8. Schedule a Checkup
The best way to ensure you’re prepared for wisdom teeth removal surgery is to visit your dentist. They can help walk you through the process and answer any questions or concerns you might have. It’s also important to follow your dentist’s instructions afterward for the best results.
You may need to have your wisdom teeth removed if they’re impacted, partially erupted, or causing trouble for your other teeth. Impacted wisdom teeth often become trapped in the jaw and can cause food to get stuck, which can lead to severe pain and swelling. Partial or fully erupted wisdom teeth can damage other teeth with their incorrect growth and crowding, which is another reason why many people need to have them removed.
Remember to stock up on the right foods and cancel any strenuous activities before your procedure. You should also make arrangements for transportation home if you’re planning on getting IV sedation or general anesthesia. Depending on the type of sedation, you could be unable to drive for up to an hour after your surgery.
