Wisdom teeth are the four molars that grow in the back of your mouth, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. They are often impacted, which means they don't have enough room to grow in properly. This can lead to pain, infection, and other dental problems.
If your wisdom teeth are impacted, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend having them removed. Wisdom tooth extraction is a common procedure that can be done under local or general anesthesia.
The procedure usually takes about an hour, and you will need to rest at home for a few days after the surgery. You may experience some pain, swelling, and bleeding. Your dentist or oral surgeon will give you instructions on how to care for your mouth after the surgery.
Here are some things you can expect after wisdom tooth extraction:
- Pain: You may experience some pain after the surgery. Your dentist or oral surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help you manage the pain.
- Swelling: Your face may swell after the surgery. This is normal and should go away within a few days.
- Bleeding: You may experience some bleeding after the surgery. Your dentist or oral surgeon will place gauze in your mouth to help control the bleeding.
- Numbness: Your mouth may be numb for a few days after the surgery. This is normal and should go away on its own.
Here are some things you can do to help your recovery go smoothly:
- Rest: Get plenty of rest after the surgery. This will help your body heal.
- Ice: Apply ice to your face for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. This will help reduce swelling and pain.
- Pain medication: Take your pain medication as prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon.
- Soft foods: Eat soft foods for a few days after the surgery. This will help prevent further pain and bleeding.
- Avoid straws: Avoid using straws for a few days after the surgery. This can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Brush your teeth: Brush your teeth gently after the surgery. Be sure to brush around the extraction sites.
- Floss your teeth: Floss your teeth gently after the surgery. Be sure to floss around the extraction sites.
Complications:
In rare cases, wisdom tooth extraction can lead to complications. These complications can include:
- Infection: The extraction site can become infected. This is a serious complication that requires antibiotic treatment.
- Dry socket: The blood clot that forms at the extraction site can dissolve. This can cause pain, sensitivity, and swelling.
- Nerve damage: The extraction can damage a nerve in the jaw. This can cause numbness or tingling in the face or tongue.
- Fracture: The jawbone can fracture during the extraction. This is a rare complication that requires surgery to repair.
If you experience any of the following complications after wisdom tooth extraction, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately:
- Severe pain
- Fever
- Swelling that does not go away
- Bleeding that does not stop
- Pus or drainage from the extraction site
- Numbness or tingling in the face or tongue
- Difficulty opening your mouth
Overall, wisdom tooth extraction is a safe and common procedure. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and complications. If you are considering having your wisdom teeth removed, be sure to talk to your dentist or oral surgeon about the risks and benefits of the procedure.
