Post-operative care following a wisdom tooth extraction is an important aspect that must be given time and attention and patient education. The recovery process after a wisdom tooth is removed can be quite lengthy, and while the healing time differs from patient to patient, some standard practices should be followed with each case.
Wisdom teeth extraction can often be life-changing for young adults due to their prevalence and the fact that many insurance companies do not cover the cost of teeth removal. Those paying for the procedure will often feel a monetary sting in the wallet and may need some extra time to save up for their next dental appointment. Some patients will have their wisdom teeth extracted before they are ready. It can cause unnecessary post-operative pain and overall discomfort in the mouth.
The recovery period after a wisdom tooth is removed can be a real challenge because there is no way to gauge how much pain one will feel until the first few days have passed. There are some things that patients can do to help themselves feel better during their recovery.
The Causes of Wisdom Teeth Removal
There are many causes for wisdom tooth removal, and one of the most common reasons that a dentist will take out a wisdom tooth during an oral procedure is because an impacted tooth has grown so large that it has begun to impact other teeth in the mouth.
Another common cause for wisdom tooth removal is that bacteria have infected the tooth. Patients who have had their wisdom teeth surgically removed may feel discomfort and pain when certain foods are chewed because the oral tissues surrounding the surgery site are inflamed. This area is sore and sensitive because of what happened during the procedure. Patients should avoid hard foods pushing against this region of their mouth, such as steak or hard apples until they completely heal.
The common cause of wisdom tooth removal is crowding. Crowding is a big issue in the mouth, and it often happens with wisdom teeth. A regular set of dental work contains twenty-eight teeth, including four wisdom teeth, but problems can arise when too many teeth are crammed into a small mouth cavity. Wisdom teeth can cause so much crowding in the mouth that there isn’t room for regular tooth roots or tissue space.
What Happens to Wisdom Tooth Tissue During the Surgery?
When a healthy wisdom tooth is removed, the essential thing that needs to be taken care of is the surrounding oral tissue.
Patients who have had their wisdom teeth removed will often complain about pain in the mouth when certain foods are chewed. It is because a wisdom tooth has been removed, and that tissue region must heal before any other food is chewed. The healing process for this area can take two to three weeks for some people, although it varies from individual to individual. When a tooth is extracted, there is often a bit of bleeding from the area, and the surrounding cells are broken down, which can cause further pain.
Patients with wisdom teeth should follow some simple steps to help with their recovery. The following instructions can help with recovery by allowing patients to eat something they have always enjoyed during healing.
Saliva production increases after a tooth are removed because of the inflammation. Saliva is essential for healing because it keeps the tissues moist and helps with overall mouth comfort. Some people may be at risk for dehydration, so patients should avoid swallowing their saliva following a wisdom tooth removal. Drinking large amounts of water can also cause a dry mouth, so it is best to stick to flavored water or mild tea, which will help rehydrate the body during this time.
Pros and Cons of Wisdom Tooth Removal
The wisdom tooth removal procedure can be challenging for the patient and the dentist. Many things can go wrong when a tooth is extracted from the mouth, and in most cases, it is considered safe to remove impacted teeth by a dentist, but there are some risks.
Some patients may receive nerve damage during their extraction that causes pain in the future or facial nerve damage, which causes numbness or weakness of the face. These risks can be minimized by following all post-operative instructions and taking antibiotics appropriately.
There are advantages to having a wisdom tooth removed when one has had many problems with the teeth in the past. However, everyone will have their own experience after removing their wisdom tooth, and they must consider that as they choose to have the procedure done.
Essential Health Tips for Patients who have had their Wisdom Teeth Removed
Patients who have had wisdom teeth removed will often speak to their dentist about oral pain, infection, and swelling after their procedure has passed. Some patients will experience this during the healing process, but others may not as long as they take care of themselves properly after surgery.
Patients who have had their wisdom teeth removed will be prescribed antibiotics to fight the infection in the oral tissue. It can cause severe problems for those who do not take the medication as directed.
Post-operative pain can also be a problem for patients with low pain tolerance. If a person does not have high pain tolerance, they need to take ibuprofen regularly to keep the swelling down and relieve any post-operative discomfort.
Patients with wisdom teeth removal will find their mouth sore for a few days after leaving the dental office. If they have swelling in the surgical region, which can be caused by a dry mouth or not rinsing their mouth thoroughly after brushing and flossing, patients should change their habits to prevent further oral pains.
It is essential for patients who have had their wisdom teeth removed to keep up with their regular healthcare routine so that any issues that arise can quickly be addressed.
The best thing for a patient who has had their wisdom tooth removed is to schedule an appointment with their dentist early. If they have large amounts of swelling in the area, they should be seen as soon as possible and careful consideration should be given to the fact that swelling may make applying a crown difficult.