Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, but we know it can bring up a lot of questions and concerns. At Dental Ateliers, we’re here to walk you through what to expect, from understanding wisdom teeth to the healing process afterward. Let’s make sure you feel comfortable and informed throughout the entire process.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically emerge in your late teens or early twenties. Not everyone has enough space in their mouth for these extra teeth, and when there’s no room for them to come in properly, they can cause problems like pain, crowding, or infections. That’s why many people need to have their wisdom teeth removed, especially if they’re impacted (stuck under the gums) or growing in at an awkward angle.
What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal?
The procedure itself is usually straightforward. You’ll either receive local anesthesia to numb the area, or in some cases, sedation to keep you calm and comfortable during the surgery. Your dentist or oral surgeon will make small incisions in the gums if needed, remove the teeth, and then stitch up the area to help it heal. The whole process usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour, and you’ll be given detailed instructions on what to do after surgery to help with healing.
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Right After Your Surgery
Once your wisdom teeth have been removed, you’ll spend a little time in the clinic to rest before heading home. If you were sedated, you might feel groggy, so it’s best to have someone drive you. You’ll also be given gauze to bite down on, which helps stop any bleeding. It’s important to keep the gauze in place for the recommended time to allow blood clots to form properly.
For the rest of the day, focus on relaxing and keep your head elevated to minimize swelling. This simple step can help make your recovery smoother.
Pain and Swelling: What to Expect
It’s normal to feel some discomfort after wisdom teeth removal, but don’t worry—you’ll be given pain medication to help manage it. Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen can also help with both pain and swelling. Stick to the dosage instructions provided to ensure you stay comfortable during recovery.
Swelling is expected and usually peaks about 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. Using an ice pack on your cheeks in 20-minute intervals can help reduce swelling. After a couple of days, you can switch to a warm compress if you’re still feeling stiff or sore.
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What Can You Eat After Surgery?
Your mouth will be tender after surgery, so it’s important to stick to soft foods for the first few days. Think yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and broths. These foods are easy on your healing gums and won’t disrupt the blood clots forming in the extraction sites.
Also, avoid using straws. The suction can pull those clots out, which could lead to a painful condition called dry socket. After about a week, you can start introducing more solid foods, but steer clear of anything crunchy, spicy, or hard until you’re fully healed.
Keeping Your Mouth Clean
You’ll need to be gentle when caring for your mouth post-surgery. For the first 24 hours, avoid brushing your teeth, rinsing, or spitting. After that, you can start rinsing your mouth to keep it clean and reduce the risk of infection.
When brushing your teeth, be careful around the extraction sites. You don’t want to disturb the healing areas, so stick to gentle brushing and avoid the back of your mouth where the teeth were removed.
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Managing Bleeding
Light bleeding or oozing is completely normal for the first day or two. You can manage it by biting down gently on gauze. If the bleeding continues, try biting on a damp tea bag. The tannic acid in tea can help with clotting. Avoid any activities that could increase bleeding, like heavy physical exertion, using straws, or spitting.
Rest and Take It Easy
Resting is crucial after your surgery. Plan for at least a couple of days off from work, school, or any strenuous activities. Resting with your head elevated will help reduce swelling and promote faster healing.
You’ll want to avoid heavy lifting or vigorous exercise for about a week. Even though you may feel fine, these activities can increase blood flow and prolong bleeding. Light walking is okay, but save the more intense activities for after you’ve fully recovered.
What Is Dry Socket?
One of the most common complications after wisdom teeth removal is dry socket. This happens when the blood clot in the extraction site gets dislodged, leaving the bone exposed. If you notice severe pain a few days after surgery or a bad taste in your mouth, it could be dry socket. If this happens, reach out to us right away—we can help treat it quickly and reduce the discomfort.
Healing Time
Most people recover from wisdom teeth removal within about two weeks. The first few days are usually the most uncomfortable, but after that, you should start feeling better each day. If you had stitches, they may dissolve on their own or be removed during a follow-up appointment. Any lingering tenderness will fade as your gums fully heal.
Keep in mind that everyone’s healing time is different, so it’s important to be patient with your body. Follow the aftercare instructions, rest, and take it easy to help your body recover. If anything feels off or you have concerns, we’re just a phone call away.
For any questions about your wisdom teeth removal or to schedule a follow-up appointment, call us today at Dental Ateliers. We’re here to make sure your recovery is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
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