You are lucky if your wisdom tooth comes out just fine and does not pose a threat to your dental health. But for some, oral surgery is needed most especially if the tooth will directly affect the alignment of the entire teeth. This procedure can be hard to manage but fret not because we will be discussing how to deal with it and how to reduce swelling after wisdom teeth removal. Dapto Dentists share the cost of tooth extractions if in case you need to have your wisdom teeth removed.
Wisdom Tooth Removal
Several factors can conclude if you are indeed qualified for wisdom tooth removal. Before you undergo the procedure, your dentist will examine your mouth to see if your wisdom tooth is putting your healthy teeth at risk. With the use of a dental x-ray exam, the positioning and the actual arrangement of your wisdom tooth will be determined.
If it does not postulate to dental problems, you will be advised to keep the wisdom tooth. But if it emerges incorrectly, oral surgery will follow.
When Wisdom Teeth Extraction is Necessary
Your dentist will recommend wisdom tooth extraction because of the following reasons:
- The wisdom tooth stayed hidden within the gums, hence, potentially damaging the jaw. Your teeth will be removed to ensure that it will not cause an infection that can also harm other teeth and roots.
- When the wisdom tooth erupts partially. This will need immediate oral surgery because a half-erupted wisdom tooth can open a pathway for bacteria which might lead to periodontal disease and oral infection.
- Overcrowding. You will be subjected to wisdom teeth removal if the tooth emerges in tight spaces and overcrowds the site. There is a tendency for it to push other teeth when there is not enough space for wisdom teeth to grow.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction Procedure
So how exactly will the procedure conclude? For you to fully understand why tooth extraction and oral surgeries are painful, first you need to understand how the treatment goes.
- First and foremost, you will be induced with anesthetics. There are 3 different kinds of anesthesia to choose from. Local, where the anesthesia will be injected directly to the surgery site. Sedation, where you will be partially unconscious during the whole procedure. Lastly, general anesthesia where you will be put to sleep.
- After the anesthetics kick in, your gums will be incised to reveal the wisdom tooth.
- The bones that obstruct the tooth will be removed.
- The tooth will be divided into tinier sections to make the removal uncomplicated.
- The tiny sections will be removed one by one.
- The treatment site will be cleansed to remove particles and debris.
- The incision will be closed to make the healing process faster.
- Gauze will be placed on top of the treated area.
Reduce Swelling After The Procedure
You will experience unpleasant side effects after the surgery and while you are in the healing process. This might include:
- bleeding
- fever or chills, this might happen if the extraction site is contaminated with bacteria
- nausea or vomiting
- cough
- difficulty breathing
- swelling
The healing process usually takes less than a week given that you followed the aftercare procedures and gave yourself ample time to rest.
Dr David from Sydney Dental Group in Baulkham Hills suggests that if you want to reduce the swelling after your wisdom tooth extraction and recover speedily, you may opt to try these few techniques:
- Take plenty of rest. Swelling can be triggered if you are always pushing yourself to the limit. Reduce it by resting and avoiding exhausting chores.
- Apply a cold compress. To lessen the swelling, place an ice pack on top of the treated site and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. You can repeat this process until you feel better.
- Eat soft foods only. If the wound gets forced because of hard to chew foods, there is a tendency that the swelling will get worse. Dentists suggest foods like soup and smoothies for at least a week after the teeth removal. Check this link to learn more about the things you can eat after tooth extraction.
- Strictly adhere to your prescription. Your dentist will most probably prescribe a medication to help manage the swelling. Don’t forget to take it at the right time.
- Continue your regular oral hygiene. It is important to keep your mouth clean after oral surgery to prevent the spread of bacteria. Just make sure to be gentle on the treated site.
- Choose foods that are rich in Vit. A and Vit. C. The healing process will be easier to endure if you are supplemented with enough nutrients.
The swelling might occur from the day of the surgery for up to two days. In most cases, some people can even get back to work and perform their daily tasks without complications. However, the effects of the surgery can be different for all of us. If the swelling and bleeding still persist despite your efforts to reduce them, call your ADC Campbelltown Dental Care dentist immediately.