The rear molars are also known as the wisdom teeth are the final adult teeth to erupt in your mouth. They emerge at the top and bottom of both sides of your mouth between the ages of 17 and 21. Many people do not have sufficient room in their jaws to accommodate wisdom teeth without shifting their other teeth. This problem can create many issues.
If you are suffering from wisdom teeth pain your dentist will in every likelihood recommend surgery have them removed. Wisdom tooth extractions are pretty common and it will be about a week before you recover completely. The recovery time can increase if your wisdom teeth are impacted. This indicates that the teeth have not emerged from below the line and are therefore not visible.
On the Day of Wisdom Teeth Removal
The removal of wisdom teeth is an outpatient procedure indicating that you will arrive at the clinic and leave after the surgery the same day. You will probably wake up in the dental chair if you are administered local anesthesia or sedation during the procedure. The recovery from general anesthesia will be slightly longer requiring you to remain in the recovery room. It would be a good idea to ask your dentist the kind of sedation you can expect.
When you wake up after the surgery you will regain feeling in your mouth slowly. Some pain and swelling can be expected. On the day of the surgery, you may also observe some blood in your mouth. Using an ice pack on your face to reduce swelling as soon as possible is an option you can use. You will also receive instructions about any medications which could be either prescription painkillers or over-the-counter medications to help you.
When you wake up from the general anesthesia you will be sent home. It would be a good idea if you have someone accompanying you for the procedure as you will not be in a position to drive for an extended period.
You can have soft foods after the surgery but will be suggested to avoid caffeine, smoking, and alcohol. You must also avoid using a straw because it can lead to complications.
Long-Term Recovery from Wisdom Tooth Extraction
It will be approximately 3 to 4 days before you recover fully from the surgical procedure. The recovery period will extend to about a week if your wisdom teeth were impacted or had erupted at an awkward angle. It would be about seven days before you recover fully.
The surgical wound will not heal completely for months and the potential for developing infections weeks after the surgery also exist. We should be taking care of yourself and keeping a watch for any signs of trouble.
Resuming normal activities the day after the surgery is possible but you should avoid any activities that can dislodge the stitches or the blood clot over the surgical wound. This includes the following though that is not limited just to these:
- Smoking.
- Spitting.
- Drinking from a straw.
- Strenuous exercise.
After wisdom tooth extractions you can expect swelling, pain, and bleeding. However, if you observe excessive bleeding that is unbearable you should be calling the dentist immediately.
Complications That Can Be Expected from Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Your symptoms would have improved greatly in about three days after the surgery and all pain and bleeding would have subsided within a week.
Nerve damage can give rise to complications and therefore if you experience any of the following symptoms it is suggested that you seek experienced help:
- Fever.
- Numbness.
- Trouble when breathing or swallowing.
- Medication is ineffective at dulling the pain.
- Swelling that worsens with time.
- Continuous bleeding despite holding a gauze and applying pressure to the wound.
- Discharge of blood and pus from your nose.
Caring for Your Mouth at Home
It is extremely important for you to provide proper care to your mouth after you reach home to avoid infections and complications. You will be provided with precise instructions on how to clean and protect your mouth by your dentist or oral surgeon. This could be the only occasion when your dentist recommends you avoid brushing, rinsing or flossing for the entire day.
You should be able to get back to normal work a couple of days after the surgery. You will, however, be required to be careful not to dislodge the blood clot or the stitches for about a week. The blood clot over the wound will protect and heal it and any disruptions will cause pain and expose you to the risk of infections.
Wisdom teeth extraction is a pretty common procedure to prevent problems with your final set of molars. You can begin having soft foods and return to your regular activities within a day or two after the surgery. You must follow the instructions provided by your dentist to help in healing and preventing infections.