Since we only have room for 28 teeth in our mouth, those unnecessary extras can sometimes induce crowding, and maybe even infection if they're impacted.
Even one erupting wisdom tooth can be enough to throw off the balance and order in the mouth, causing both short- and long-term problems, such as pain, discomfort, or swelling. If you’re getting ready to have your wisdom teeth removed, you may have questions about the recovery and aftercare process. After a tooth extraction at Forest Lawn Dental Centre, you will be given a set of careful instructions to follow post-procedure and you can call us if you have any questions or concerns. However, if you’re looking for general information or you’d like an idea of what to expect, we’ve compiled some recommendations and things to be aware of to prepare you for your recovery. Keep reading to learn more!
Treat the Delicate Area With Care
After any surgery, it's crucial to treat the sensitive area carefully. The area will be delicate, so you'll need to avoid practices that can irritate it, such as:
Vigorous mouth-washing or brushing
Eating hard or sticky foods
Sipping liquids through a straw
Smoking or vaping
Touching the area where the surgery took place
Taking blood-thinning medications, such as Aspirin
Instead, eat soft foods only (soup, broths, mashed potatoes, applesauce, to name a few), avoid any sucking motions, and only take the medication that your doctor prescribes or recommends.
Take Your Prescription Pain Medication if Necessary
Immediately after surgery, you may not notice a significant amount of pain. As the anesthesia and freezing wears off, though, you'll likely begin to feel pain or soreness that may need to be treated with prescription pain medication.
As mentioned above, any blood thinners should be avoided at all costs, as they can prevent the clotting necessary for recovery. Instead, your dentist will likely suggest prescription-strength Ibuprofen and/or a self-administered pain reliever that comes in a syringe.
Use Ice Packs for Swelling
Ice packs are another way to relieve pain or discomfort following extraction. If used correctly, ice packs are completely safe.
Ice packs are best used right away and may even stave off excessive swelling. The most amount of swelling typically occurs a few days after surgery, so know what to expect in that regard by speaking with your oral surgeon.
Still, treat the area gently as it will be sensitive. Wrap the ice pack in a washcloth to make it more comfortable and apply it directly to the outside of whichever cheek the surgery occurred on. If you had surgery on both sides, alternate the ice pack every 20 or so minutes. You can do this for the first 2 to 3 days after the extraction.
Know When to Call Your Dentist
Some amount of bleeding, swelling, pain, and discomfort is to be expected after wisdom teeth removal. However, it's important to call your dentist if:
You notice dry pockets forming
Your stitches become dislodged before the designated time
You experience excessive amounts of blood
In general, you can expect to experience some levels of being uncomfortable, and even some side effects as the anaesthesia wears off. Make sure to discuss with your dentist, ahead of time, what constitutes normal and abnorma
Ready to Schedule Your Wisdom Tooth Removal in SE Calgary?
Wisdom tooth extraction is something that should be taken seriously and treated sensitively. Working closely with your dentist and asking questions means you'll have the support you need before, during, and after the extraction. Contact Forest Lawn Dental today to book your appointment with our caring, dedicated staff in SE Calgary!