Wisdom teeth extraction is a process that most people need to go through at some point in their lifetime. Wisdom teeth are the upper and lower third molars located at the very back of our mouths, which are the last to develop. Unfortunately, there are some patients who experience pain or discomfort due to misalignment or symptoms of impacted wisdom teeth. When a third molar is known as impacted, it ultimately means that the tooth will not grow out straight with the other teeth or it may half emerge.
Plenty of patients have heard their fair share of urban legends about the subject of wisdom teeth extraction and pass along this information without any professional background to prove their claim. If you or your child is going through the experience of wisdom teeth, there are at least three things you should know that will help you prepare for teeth removal.
Why is Wisdom Teeth Extraction Done?
It may seem like there is plenty of room for extra teeth to grow, but your oral surgeon or dentist may still recommend wisdom tooth extraction to keep from infection or shifting other teeth. Other reasons for removal include, gum pain, impaction, gum disease and decay of wisdom teeth. Improper eruption of wisdom teeth can also result in damage of the jawbone and development of a cyst which may later become infected.
When Can I Eat Again?
For the first 24 to 48 hours after wisdom teeth removal, only soft foods are recommended for consumption. It should not be a surprise to patients that use of a straw is not allowed for week minimum following oral surgery, as the suction of a straw can dislodge the blood clot around the wound and lead to prolonged bleeding and extend a patient’s healing time.
How Long is the Recovery Period?
After having wisdom teeth pulled, pain and swelling is likely to occur, which is why some oral surgeons recommend taking one to two days off from any activity until the gum lining heals after the initial phase. Your dentist or oral surgeon will recommend a prescription for pain relievers that relieve the pain. With respect to time, wisdom tooth extraction recovery may vary from one day to about a week of rest, but most patients can resume to normal activity after the first day of extraction. To keep the process simple and free of discomfort, we encourage applying ice packs to reduce pain and swelling, use only prescription medications, and clean the mouth with simple salt water.
Unfortunately, there is not a preventive procedure that can keep teens and adults from this oral surgery. Researchers recently discovered that there may be a possible form of prevention of wisdom tooth development in the lower jawbone. Results from an epidemiological study, published in the Journal of American Dental Association, suggests that injecting anesthesia in the gums of young children can stop tooth buds from growing in the lower wisdom teeth. Although it is hypothesized that this process can be a valid approach to prevent oral surgery, there must be further review before oral surgeons can declare this method safe for our youth.
If you want to learn more about wisdom tooth extraction in San Diego, schedule a consultation with our experienced cosmetic dentist at Eastlake Dentistry.
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