WISDOM TEETH Aftercare Tips

Make a Speedy Recovery after Wisdom Teeth Removal

The discussion and controversy over wisdom teeth or third set of molars is not just a recent phenomenon. People have been discussing about them for centuries and have come to the conclusion that an impacted wisdom tooth is a third molar that is colliding with or jammed against another important structure, which can cause several problems if left untreated. According to few recent reports an estimated 85% of wisdom teeth will eventually need to be removed. This is because of the fact that the impacted teeth is difficult to reach, clean and leads to bacterial build up and infection. Here is a whittled list of few interesting facts on wisdom teeth.

• Wisdom teeth got their nickname from the age when they typically grow in. The third molars do not grow out until the dental arch becomes larger, around the age of 17-25, a time also referred to as the “age of wisdom”.
• Some earlier reports state that induced pluripotent stem cells can be harvested from wisdom teeth. Thus, wisdom teeth can be saved for potential need for stem cells later in life.
• When there isn’t enough room for a tooth to enter the mouth fully, it is called “impacted.” If left it may damage neighbouring teeth, or become infected due to the difficulty in reaching and cleaning that area of the mouth and gums.

A recent study also reveals that 10 million wisdom teeth are removed each year from 5 million people. More than 60% of these removals aren’t needed.

It’s not necessary for people to remove their wisdom teeth, if they are healthy, fully erupted, positioned correctly and able to be cleaned as part of daily hygiene practices. But unfortunately, in most cases wisdom teeth — the third molars in the very back of your mouth — don’t have room to grow properly and can cause problems. They grow at various angles in the jaw, sometimes even horizontally causing trouble and abnormal pain while talking or eating. So, dentists suggest removal of wisdom teeth to live a normal life without pain and hassle.

Why Wisdom Teeth Removal

According to Australian Dental Association, wisdom teeth removal in Sydney may be necessary if you experience changes in the area of those teeth, such as:

• Pain
• Repeated infection of soft tissue behind the lower last tooth
• Cysts (fluid-filled sacs)
• Tumors
• Damage to nearby teeth
• Gum disease
• Extensive tooth decay

Tips to Recover from Wisdom Teeth Removal Quickly

For many people, removal of the impacted wisdom teeth is a serious surgical procedure and having a proper post-operative care is important for a speedy recovery. Here we’ve compiled a list of easy aftercare tips to follow to recover from wisdom teeth removal and lead a normal life as usual.

Steps to Follow Immediately After Surgery

• Place gauze pad over the surgical area every half an hour to avoid swelling and remove or discard it later.
• Avoid vigorous rinsing of mouth and touching the wound area following surgery. By doing so, you are initiating bleeding by dislodging the blood clot formed.
• Follow the prescribed pain medication whenever you feel pain or discomfort.
• Restrict your activities the day of surgery and resume normal activity when you feel comfortable.
• Place ice packs alternatively over the surgical area.

Bleeding

Slight bleeding, oozing, or redness in the saliva is common and can be expected immediately following the surgery. If there is an excessive bleeding, it can be avoided or controlled by rinsing or wiping any old clots from your mouth, then placing a gauze pad over the area and biting firmly for thirty minutes. Repeat the procedure every 30 minutes if necessary. Sit upright always and avoid exercising to avoid further bleeding.

Swelling

Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, eyes and sides of the face occurs after surgery and is unavoidable. But it can be reduced to a greater extend by the immediate use of ice packs. Place ices packs to the sides of the face where surgery was performed for 36 hours continuously to minimise swelling. Applying moist heat to the sides of the face can also reduce the size of swelling.

Alleviate Pain

Take the pain prescriptions given by your dentist to reduce the recurring pain in the surgical area. Don’t drive vehicles or work around machineries for few days following the wisdom tooth removal in Sydney to avoid pain and discomfort. If the pain is not subsiding gradually, take this to the attention of your dentist to take proper measures.

Follow Good Oral Hygiene

Avoid rigorous rinsing start brushing your teeth gently the night of surgery. Begin rinsing at least 5-6 times a day especially after eating with a cup of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of salt, the day after the surgery. Follow good oral hygiene to reduce sensitivity of the teeth next to the wisdom-tooth socket.

Exercise and Sport

Avoid strenuous activity and exercise for the first few days of the surgery. If you want to stay fit all these days, walking is the best way to return to fitness. If you play rugby or do martial arts, you should discuss with your dentist before returning to activities before the operation.

Call your dentist or surgeon if you experience serious complications like,

• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Excessive bleeding
• Fever
• Severe pain not relieved by prescribed pain medications
• Swelling that worsens after two or three days
• A bad taste in your mouth not removed with saltwater rinsing
• Pus in or oozing from the socket
• Persistent numbness or loss of feeling
• Blood or pus in nasal discharge

Watch What You Eat

Stay away from spicy or hot foods for the first few days after wisdom teeth removal in Sydney. Start from a simple liquid diet and gradually add solid foods, starting with softer foods, like pudding. Recommended foods to eat are,

• Apple Sauce
• Ice cream
• Soup
• Pudding
• Mash Potatoes
• Yogurt
• Smoothies or milkshakes (Avoid using straws)
• Instant oat meal.

Recovering from wisdom teeth can take a few days to weeks but following proper medications and sticking to the right diet can speed up the healing process.