Wisdom teeth are the last adult teeth to appear. It’s also one of the common dental surgeries. You might be wondering how long it will take to recover hence the hesitation to visit the dentist. If the wisdom teeth have started feeling uncomfortable, your dentist is likely to recommend surgery for them to be removed. The recovery can take up to two weeks but will vary depending on the case of an individual.
Surgery Day
Removal of wisdom is an outpatient procedure. That means you can have them removed and go back home on the same day. If you’re not comfortable with the treatment, the dentist is likely to administer local anesthesia. You might be transferred to the recovery room if you take too long to recover. There are phases to the healing process when you go for a wisdom tooth extraction. The phases include:
Swollen Mouth: The first few days are the worst for wisdom tooth extraction. You’ll experience a swollen mouth which can be quite uncomfortable. The swelling will go down as time progresses.
Visible bruises on the cheek: It can take up to two weeks for the skin to recover from the bruises.
Sore jaw: It usually takes around 10 days for the soreness to wear off.
It’s recommended that you’re reaching out to the dentist if you notice excessive bleeding or if it is taking more time than usual to recover. It should be noted that it could take months before the wound completely heals after the wisdom tooth has been extracted.
Normal activity can be resumed a day after surgery but you need to make sure that your mouth is subjected to any kind of pressure. You shouldn’t spit, smoke, drink from a straw, or engage in strenuous exercise. You should witness significant improvements on the third day after the surgery.
Home Care
There are some things that you could do to expedite the recovery process after the surgery. The dentist should provide clear instructions on what needs to be done to take care of your teeth when recovering. One of the common practices is rinsing the mouth with a mixture of warm water and salt. The blood clot and stitches shouldn’t be dislodged for at least a week as that could interfere with the recovery process. When it comes to pain management, the most effective solution would be to take medication. Your dentist should be able to prescribe the right medication depending on the severity of the pain. The dentist might also prescribe antibiotics to prevent any infections.
What to Eat
Eating healthily and taking lots of water is important for quick recovery. It will be tempting to take sugary substances but you should only follow the dentist’s recommendations. Focus on soft foods so that there is no unnecessary pressure on the wounds. It is also advisable to stay away from hot or cold beverages so that the chances of irritation are minimal.
Working and Driving
Make sure to make the necessary arrangements so that you’re taking a day off after the treatment. You can also organize for someone to drive you home after the extraction procedure. There is a chance that you still be sedated and the last thing you’d want to do is get behind the wheels. Normal brushing of the teeth should resume after a few days. The dentist might require that you visit their office for a checkup a week after the procedure. It is at this point where the dentist will remove the remaining stitches.
Getting The Right Dentist
As much as it might seem like a straightforward procedure, it’s important that you’re getting an experienced dentist. You don’t want to develop complications just because of choosing the wrong provider. You could still experience problems with the wisdom tooth even when they’re coming from the gums.
You don’t want to skip the dental appointment as the doctor can keep an eye on the developing wisdom teeth and if there are signs of problems.
To Conclude
Proper aftercare will ensure that the recovery process is smooth without hiccups. Watch out for signs of infections such as swelling, pain, and purse around the wound. The chances of complications are slim but that doesn’t mean that they can’t happen, especially when working with an inexperienced doctor. If it’s the first time working with the dentist, make sure to find out about their credentials and experience. You don’t want to risk your oral health. If you need a recommendation, do not hesitate any further to seek oral solutions by the dentist in newmarket on now. You may also read this post to know the things parents should know before getting braces for their kids.