Wisdom teeth removal is incredibly common and may be necessary if you have shifting teeth, impacted wisdom teeth, or wisdom teeth that are growing in incorrectly. Wisdom tooth extractions are safe procedures, but with any procedure, it is helpful to know what to expect as you prepare for your appointment. Caring for your teeth and gums after a wisdom tooth removal can help prevent complications post extraction.
Learn more about what to expect after wisdom tooth extractions and make an appointment for a consultation with your dentist today.
Will You Experience Pain After Wisdom Tooth Extractions?
Some pain and swelling are normal post wisdom tooth removal. You might not have feeling in your mouth as you leave the appointment, but feeling will begin to return over the next few hours. There may be some bleeding, but that should stop shortly after the procedure. Your surgeon will pack your mouth with gauze in order to stop the bleeding and promote the healing process.
Both over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers can reduce pain after wisdom tooth removal. Your surgeon might prescribe a prescription pain reliever. Follow the instructions for when and how to take the medications as directed by your surgeon or pharmacist.
Caring for Your Teeth After Wisdom Tooth Removal
After a wisdom tooth extraction, there are a few things you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy and reduce pain. Aside from taking prescription or over-the-counter medication, you can use an ice pack to numb the area around your mouth.
You’ll want to eat soft foods after your surgery until you feel comfortable eating foods that you have to chew. Examples of foods that you can eat include:
Pudding
Mashed potatoes
Smoothies
Applesauce
Jello
Pureed soups
Avoid crunchy foods or food that could get stuck in the back of your mouth, such as rice. Your dentist will likely give you a tool that you can use to irrigate the areas where your wisdom teeth were removed.
Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and caffeine after wisdom teeth removal, as these substances can make it harder for the wounds to heal. Additionally, avoid strenuous exercise or drinking through a straw.
During a follow-up appointment, your dentist will check on how you’re healing and make sure you’re not experiencing any abnormal pain. Reach out to your dentist right away if you develop a fever or have difficulty swallowing. While complications are rare, getting help right away will help you get back to living a normal life as soon as possible.
Wisdom Tooth Extractions at Columbia Smiles
At Columbia Smiles, we offer wisdom tooth consultations in our comfortable, welcoming dental practice. We understand that many patients experience anxiety relating to dental procedures, and do everything we can to mitigate fears. If your wisdom teeth are impacted, are growing in incorrectly, or are causing issues with your bite, we’ll refer you to a local oral surgeon.
In addition to supervising wisdom teeth development, we offer a wide variety of other dental services. These include:
● Regular cleanings and exams
● Fillings
● Cosmetic dental procedures like tooth whitening and veneers
● Gum disease treatment
Schedule an appointment at Columbia Smiles today by calling our office at 410.690.4855 or by reaching out to us online.
