Wisdom Tooth Removal
What to Expect from the Procedure and Recovery
Wisdom teeth are molars located at the back of your mouth. They erupt between the ages of 17 and 21, but most dentists recommend having them removed earlier rather than later to avoid problems like overcrowding, tooth decay and infections caused by impacted or crowded teeth. A dental assessment is the only way to determine whether your wisdom teeth should be removed, and it’s important to visit a trusted dental professional. If the dentist does recommend extraction, it’s important to know what to expect from the procedure and recovery.
The most common reason for wisdom tooth removal is that there is not enough room in the mouth for them to fully erupt. Overcrowding can lead to gum disease, cavities, jaw pain and infection and difficulty chewing and swallowing. It is also difficult to reach them with a toothbrush and floss.
During the extraction, you will be numbed or sedated so they won’t feel any pain during the procedure. However, there may be some discomfort post-procedure as the healing process begins. To help reduce this, we recommend applying an ice pack to the face and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed by your oral surgeon or dentist.
After the surgery, you will need to stick to a soft diet of liquids and foods like soup, yogurt and milkshakes. This will help reduce swelling and speed up the healing process. It is also a good idea to rinse the mouth with salt water several times a day for the first five days after surgery.
It is important not to dislodge the blood clot from the surgery site, which can cause a painful condition called Dry socket. This happens when the clot is dislodged, leaving the exposed bone which can be very painful and delay healing. To prevent this, we advise that you do not smoke, drink alcohol, or brush the teeth in the affected area.
You may also experience some tenderness and bruising around the mouth as the healing process begins. If this persists, we recommend that you contact our dental office and speak to one of our skilled professionals.
If you’re looking for a dentist who can perform a wisdom tooth removal, make sure to contact the office of Downey Dental Solutions today. Our knowledgeable staff are here to answer any questions you have and can schedule an appointment for you. We look forward to hearing from you! Our office is in Downey, but we serve patients from all over the Los Angeles area, including Torrance and Long Beach. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our staff is highly experienced and can provide you with the best care in town. Call us or request an appointment online now. We are always happy to see new patients! We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financing options.