Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extractions

Finding out that it’s time to have your wisdom teeth removed is intimidating to many patients. What happens during the procedure? Will you feel anything? How long will your recovery last?

It’s understandable to have several questions running through your mind at once. Obtaining answers to these questions eases tension and helps you feel more comfortable undergoing oral surgery.

Why do you need your wisdom teeth taken out?

Wisdom teeth were once functional and acted as an extra set of teeth that would help ancient humans chew. As food preparation methods evolved, however, the jaw bone became smaller and wisdom teeth became obsolete.

Today, many patients find that their jaw does have enough room for wisdom teeth to grow, prompting them to have their teeth removed. Without a proper extraction, wisdom teeth upset the alignment of existing teeth and create issues with your bite.

When is the best time to have your wisdom teeth removed?

Wisdom teeth usually erupt between the ages of 17-25, which is when most patients choose to have them removed. A dentist or oral surgeon determines whether wisdom teeth extraction is necessary during an examination.

Can I see my general dentist for a wisdom teeth extraction?

Although your general dentist may be able to diagnose your condition, they may not be qualified to perform surgery. Your general dentist will refer you to a trusted oral surgeon, like Dr. Patel, to have your wisdom teeth extracted. Oral surgeons are the recommended specialists to have wisdom teeth removed, on the chance that teeth have not fully erupted, or are impacting the health of surrounding teeth.

How long do you have to wear gauze after the teeth are removed?

Patients experience bleeding from extraction sites for one or two days after surgery, and it’s important that you use gauze to absorb it. It's recommended that you apply gauze every 60 minutes and replace it when the material is soaked through. Continue to replace your gauze until all bleeding stops.

How long does it take for the sedation to wear off?

Depending on the type of sedation you receive, it could wear off immediately or it could take several minutes to an hour. With most wisdom teeth extractions, however, you can expect to return home the same day although you may feel loopy or drowsy after the procedure.

To ensure your safety after your surgery, you are required to have a friend or family member drive you to and from your surgery and accommodate you during the first few hours of your recovery.

What form of sedation should I use for wisdom teeth extraction?

The form of sedation you use depends on the severity of your case as well as your weight and general health. Your oral surgeon will suggest the best sedation method for your particular case.

Typically, patients receive a combination of, IV sedation or nitrous oxide, which will leave you in a twilight state during surgery. Each form of sedation keeps you from feeling any discomfort, and you shouldn’t remember anything about the procedure.

Learn More by Scheduling an Appointment!

At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery, we leave no question unanswered. If there is more that you’d like to know about wisdom teeth extraction, contact our office at 703-436-4633 and schedule an appointment.

Your Diet After Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Your Diet After Your Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Some of the most common questions about wisdom teeth extraction involve recovery, especially in regards to diet and what you can and cannot eat. The good news is that your recovery from wisdom teeth extraction should last no more than a week, the not-so-good news is that you may have to refrain from eating certain foods during this time.

Your diet after surgery helps determine how fast your extraction sites heal. Foods that are easily lodged within your teeth or irritate your gums will often make your recovery longer. To help you recover as quickly as possible, keep your diet in mind as you heal.

Foods to Stay Away From

After surgery, you will want to steer clear of hard, sticky, and crunchy foods. Snacks like chips, apples, carrots, or candy get stuck in the areas where your wisdom teeth were removed. These foods also place pressure on extraction areas if you try to chew them. Since you’re unable to brush normally after surgery, you have an increased risk of infection if food particles are trapped in healing gum tissue.

Additionally, acidic foods like oranges, coffee can irritate your sensitive gums as well as the surgery site, which could prolong healing.

Foods You Can Enjoy

Soft foods are easy to chew and quick to digest. Apple sauce, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, and Jell-O are just some of the types of foods you can enjoy while you recover from surgery. When you eat soft foods, your jaw doesn’t work as hard to break them down, which means they remain in your mouth for a shorter period and don’t impose a risk of becoming lodged in the extraction site.

Think of your recovery as a chance for you to spoil yourself with foods that you don’t eat on a regular basis. Ice cream, mashed potatoes, and smoothies can make an excellent breakfast, lunch or dinner while you heal. After seven days, you can begin to eat normal foods, but it’s important to limit their consumption at first.

Want More Information? Call Today!

If you have unanswered questions about wisdom teeth removal, contact Lorton-Springfield Dental Implants & Oral Surgery at 703-436-4633 and schedule an appointment.