Precautions Before And After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth or the third molar teeth are the last teeth to erupt in one’s mouth at the around 17-25 years of age. Some wisdom teeth may emerge into the mouth without causing any issues, but mostly people don’t have enough room in mouth to for allowing them to erupt into proper positions. This can lead to various dental issues such as pain and infection, getting stuck inside the bone (impacted), causing decay to adjacent teeth, cysts etc. and often surgical removal of these teeth is recommended.
Wisdom teeth removal is a minor surgical procedure of infected, impacted or crowded third molar tooth. Though it is a routine procedure, there are certain things to be taken care before and after third molar removal.
Things to be taken care of before wisdom tooth removal
- Always choose an early appointment
- Have a proper meal before the procedure
- Have your regular medications and antibiotics before the procedure
- Communicate with your dentist if you’re anxious regarding the procedure
- Always bring a bystander with you on the day of procedure
Things to be taken care after wisdom tooth removal
- Immediate Post-Operative Care
- Apply gentle pressure by biting on clean, damp gauze provided by the dentist for approximately one hour. This acts as a pressure pack and helps to control bleeding.
- Avoid Rinsing, spitting or using straws or any activity that creates pressure and suction in the mouth for 24 hours. This helps to preserve the formed blood clot and prevent its dislodgement.
- Be careful not to bite the numb areas such as cheeks, tongue, lips for about 2-3 hours till the effect of anaesthesia wanes off
- Avoid hot and spicy food items for 24 hours
- Use ice packs on face, wrapped in a cloth or plastic bag for 15-20 minutes on and off to reduce swelling only on the day of surgery. Continuing cold compresses the next day will lead to hardening of swelling and cause unnecessary complications.
2. Management of pain and medications
- Take the prescribed pain medications given by your dentist. Any prescribed antibiotic course should be completely taken to prevent infection.
3. Oral Hygiene Practices after 24 hours post-operatively
- Brush teeth very carefully, initially avoiding the extraction site.
- Mouth should be rinsed properly to avoid food lodgement in the surgical site, which will hinder the healing process.
- Don’t use commercial mouthwashes that may irritate extraction site. Use warm salt water rinses mixed with medicated mouthwash given by your dentist 3-5 times daily.
4.Diet and Lifestyle Considerations
- Rest for the initial few days post-surgery to support healing.
- Have soft, easily swallowed food and stay hydrated
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption
- Refrain from probing extraction sites with tongue or fingers to prevent infection.
- Avoid strenuous activities and do not exercise for 3-4days after surgery
- Sleep with the head slightly elevated to reduce swelling and promote drainage.
- Try to open your mouth slowly. If the muscle near the jaw becomes stiff and you have difficulty opening mouth, then use warm moist heat outside of your face over the areas of soreness, which will relax the muscles and aid you in opening mouth.
5.Follow-Up
- Sutures should be removed after 7 days or as instructed by your dentist
- Adhere strictly to your dentist’s post-operative instructions throughout the recovery period.
- It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible. Following these instructions will help you in healing of the surgical site.
Conclusion
It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible. Following these instructions will help you in healing of the surgical site.