Wisdom Teeth Extraction: What is the recovery process?

Wisdom Teeth Extraction: What is the recovery process?

Wisdom Teeth Extraction: What is the recovery processWisdom teeth problems such as impactions often inflict pain on patients, and so many people with issues with wisdom teeth have them removed by a dentist. Wisdom teeth serve no real purpose in our mouths now as the evolutionary cycle has seen our jawbone and mouth become smaller and better formed.

Impacted wisdom teeth occur when there is insufficient room to allow the wisdom teeth to successfully emerge into the patient’s mouth. This may result in pressure being applied to other existing teeth, while in other cases, the wisdom tooth may not fully emerge; instead creating pockets below the gum tissue where bacteria can thrive, leading eventually to tooth decay and other dental issues.

In many cases, a dentist will elect to remove wisdom teeth if they cause problems, or could potentially cause problems in the future. For patients who have wisdom teeth removed, there may be some lingering symptoms to be aware of, especially if the extraction was complicated.

The area around the extraction may be swollen and sore, and there may be a short period after where the mouth and cheeks may appear swollen. However, this will improve gradually over the course of a few days; using a cold cloth can help to reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort.

Your jaw may be also be stiff and sore for a few days afterwards, and you may have difficulty in eating. Over-the-counter painkillers can help to relieve pain in these circumstances; other sensations to be aware of include an unpleasant taste in the mouth, and a temporary tingling or numbing feeling of the face, lips or tongue.

There are several self-help tactics to help reduce discomfort and aid the healing process; while painkillers can help ease any pain, avoiding strenuous exercise and sleeping using an extra pillow to provide additional comfort at night can also help. Try not to rinse or spit, while consuming hot drinks may also hinder, as these can dislodge the blood clots that form in the socket of the now-missing tooth.

Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol, and eating soft food for a few days will also help. However, the only true treatment to aid the recovery process of a wisdom tooth extraction is time, and after a few days the symptoms should subside. It is important however that you finish any antibiotics given to you by a dentist, and to have a check-up soon after the extraction has been performed, reporting any excess bleeding, severe pain or other untoward symptoms.

For additional information and to schedule your consultation, contact our experienced and dedicated team at The Dental Place. Call 972-264-5795 to schedule your visit today.