Wisdom teeth are the last permanent molars that come out between ages 17-21. They may develop well and pose no problems to some people. Yet, others can have the tooth unable to erupt above the gum line, causing impaction. The erupted tooth may also misalign adjacent molars due to inadequate space. A dentist near you performs this oral surgery under anesthesia.
The dentist in Scottsdale, AZ, performs wisdom teeth extraction either to correct an actual problem or to prevent future problems associated with the teeth. After the surgery, the patient must follow some instructions. They promote quick and smooth healing; reduce incidences of infection and chances of a dry socket.
Why Take Care of the Gum After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Extracting a wisdom tooth rarely results in long-term complications, but you must observe special care to avoid any issues such as:
- Infection from bacteria or food particles trapped in the socket
- Exposure of the jawbone when the clot on the socket is lost causes painful dry socket
- Damage to nerves, teeth, sinuses, or jawbone near the surgical wound
- Bleeding that does not stop even 24 hours after surgery
- Slow-healing gums
After Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction, Do
- Rest for the rest of the day and minimize physical exertion for at least a week.
- Bite on the cotton gauze provided by the dentist to help stop the bleeding and promote blood clot formation.
- Use a cool compress for the first 24-48 hours after the extraction to minimize pain and lessen swelling.
- Take the medication as prescribed to manage pain and prevent inflammation.
- Eat after the anesthesia has worn off to avoid biting on your soft tissues. As you eat, limit food to the other side of the jaw to avoid disturbing the wound in the gum.
- Slightly raise your head with a pillow when lying down to minimize swelling.
- Gargle with a saline water solution 12 hours after extraction and after every meal to prevent bacteria from accumulating on the site.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
- Just like after any oral surgery procedure, take liquid and soft foods for a few days.
- A few days after teeth extraction, you can do jaw exercises by slowly opening and closing your mouth.
- Use a soft toothbrush to clean your teeth a day after surgery but avoid the area near the extracted tooth.
After Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction, Don’t
- Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco products after teeth extraction since they can delay healing and also increase the risk of complications. If you must use them, wait for at least 72 hours after surgery.
- When taking liquids, do not use a straw since the sucking action can dislodge the formed clot from your socket leading to dry socket condition.
- Avoid medications containing aspirin as it delays clot formation, thus, prevent healing
- Avoid chewy, hard, or spicy foods as they might get stuck in the area and irritate the wound.
- Do not spit forcefully or use mouthwash in the first 24 hours after the extraction.
- Do not poke into the gap left with your tongue, a finger, or a toothpick to avoid provoking bleeding or dislodging the clot.
When to Call Your Dentist After an Extraction
Patients with high risks of complications should look out for signs indicating nerve damage, an infection, or other complications. Immediately call the dentist in Scottsdale, AZ, if you experience any of the symptoms below.
- Excessive bleeding
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Fever
- Worse swelling two or three days after the extraction
- Pus from the socket
- Intense pain that is not relieved by the prescribed medication
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Persistent numbness in your mouth or lips after the anesthetic wears off
- Pus or blood in nasal discharge
If you are in search of a professional dentist near you for wisdom tooth removal, contact us at Landmark Smiles of Scottsdale. Our trusted and experienced family dentists offer the best oral care services. Apart from wisdom teeth extraction, we offer cosmetic, general and preventive dentistry for patients of all ages. Our offices are also conducive to ensure children feel safe and comfortable. So whether you need veneers for a better smile or urgent dental care after an accident, we are here for you.