POST-OP: WISDOM TOOTH EXTRACTION

Some people will get wisdom teeth through with no problems at all, but for some there will be issues from the minute they start to appear.

Table of contents

Wisdom Teeth Pain
What are the details associated with a wisdom tooth extraction?
What is the post procedure extraction like?
Is there a lot of pain with wisdom teeth extractions?

Wisdom Teeth Pain

Some people will get wisdom teeth through with no problems at all, but for some there will be issues from the minute they start to appear. They can be painful coming through, and on some occasions may not come through properly and this will require a visit to the dentist. The teeth will have to be removed as it will not be sensible to keep them in place. Even once the tooth is out, that is not the end of the story as good post-op care is just as vital as the initial procedure.

What are the details associated with a wisdom tooth extraction?

Whether a wisdom tooth is erupted, impacted, or partially erupted they can cause different kinds of infections, pain, and problems. The best way to evaluate these wisdom teeth is by x-rays to see if there are active bone and gum infections around the tooth. Mainly due to the fact that wisdom teeth are the hardest teeth to keep clean in the mouth they are the main teeth to get decay and food debris stuck in and around them. Once this takes place further gum infections, abscesses, and further diseases that can spread to the rest of the mouth. The best treatment to undertake is to have the teeth removed in order to not think of all the potential issues that can come with leaving decayed or infected wisdom teeth.

Table of contents

Wisdom Teeth Pain
What are the details associated with a wisdom tooth extraction?
What is the post procedure extraction like?
Is there a lot of pain with wisdom teeth extractions?

What is the post procedure extraction like?

When you have the tooth removed, there will be a gauze pad that has been placed over the wound and you will keep pressure on it for a limited amount of time. This should not be removed for at least half an hour for the clot to form and the area to begin to heal properly. It can be taken out after that time and should not be replaced. Following specific protocols given by the dentist will help the clotting process, as the clot will start to form and can be easily be knocked out leading to issues if not handles with proper care and maintenance.

There will be pain for some time and this will require the use of medication, ice pack, and a soft food diet. It will be easy to think that this is only an extraction and you will be able to carry on as normal, but taking it easy and not doing extensive exercising or heavy lifting is recommended. When the swelling starts, this can be reduced and eased with the use of icepack. An icepack laid on the specific area will bring relief in a matter of minutes and aid in the healing process.

There will be minor bleeding and that is natural by keeping up with gentle warm salt water rinsing and soft foods the area will normalize with time. If you are in a situation where more bleeding is noted a warm tea bag can be used to settle the area. You can bite down on this and keep it in place for 20 minutes. It contains tannic acid will shrink the vessels and less blood will be lost. If you are staying inactive and following the instructions of the dentist and still experience bleeding, then further medical assistance should be sought.

Recovery is going to take a couple days rather than hours and ice will be required for a day or so to try and get rid of the swelling. Focusing on taking it easy and not pushing one’s self will be the key and the healing process.

Is there a lot of pain with wisdom teeth extractions?

Dentists are aware of the level of pain this procedure will bring and will prescribe medication that should be strong enough to help you cope depending on how the treatment went. Often there will be side effects and drowsiness tends to be the main one, so driving and many types of operative heavy machinery jobs may not be possible for a while. Alcohol should be avoided as this will only make things worse. If there is still pain after a few days, it will be advisable to have the site looked at just to make sure that nothing has gone wrong, and there does not have to be further surgery or dental intervention.

It is also likely that antibiotics will be prescribed. It is important that the full course is taken, unless there are unpleasant side effects. At this stage stop taking them and see if a different tablet can be prescribed. Often this will be a rash and should not be mixed up with the bruising that will appear.

Liquids are fine to take shortly after surgery, and any food that is eaten should be soft and chewed on areas that are away from the extraction site. You will need to have a high calorie diet after the first couple of days, and meals should not be missed. Liquids should be drunk frequently and there should be around 6 glasses a day drunk – nothing with ice however. Make sure you build up your strength or you could end up feeling dizzy.

Oral hygiene should not slip, but tooth cleaning should be gentle and by the day after the extraction, the mouth should be rinsed multiple times a day. Add salt to water and use this as it will help the wound heal. Nausea is often felt after anesthesia and when this occurs, avoid food and liquids for a while and unfortunately this will include the prescription tablets. Sipping liquids after an hour or so should lead on to you being able to return to normal eating – at least normal for the condition. Call our offices for any additional questions or concerns URBN Dental is here for you!

URBN Dental Uptown

4.9

Michelle Campbell

19:53 20 Jun 18

Excellent service. Great first impression! Best cleaning I've had in several years, my mouth feels amazing. They even took the time to show me how to brush more effectively. My teeth are back to being pearly white. They were very knowledgeable in regards to my insurance and I've had no issues. The service there is impeccable!

Nonna Beetge

14:21 24 Apr 18

The staff is wonderful, very friendly and informative. I love how they not only take X-rays, but also photos of all your teeth and put them on the big screen. They spent as much time as I needed to go over each area and explain specifics of each tooth. I definitely have a greater understanding of what is going on in there and what I need to do. I also love their space, it has a calming vibe with all kinds of artwork on display. You almost feel like you’re not at the dentist! Thank you all so much, I look forward to seeing you all again! (Said no one to their dentist 😉 )

Allie Hackett

18:47 19 Jun 18

I am not the biggest fan of the dentist, however this was the BEST dentist experience I have ever had! Everyone was so kind and I got everything I needed done in one visit! They provided super helpful insight about what was going on with my teeth and took care of everything I needed quickly. I will absolutely be returning! 🙂

Andrew Nguyen

14:17 10 May 18

Beautiful location and office. Very friendly and welcoming staff! I had a great time conversing with them about movies and music. Dr. Nguyen and his staff were very knowledgeable and stressed the importance of making sure the patient knew what their game plan was. The office is very high tech as well so it was super cool to know that I was getting the latest tech being use on me.

Andrea Andrea

17:15 20 May 18

Love the location, the dentist AND the staff. Everyone there is awesome. It's rare that I leave a dentist office feeling just as good as when I arrive. I was sad I didn't get to see Snickers, but all in all I had a great experience my first time here. Glad to finally have a new "home" dentist since moving to Texas.

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Very knowledgeable and informative, explaining all your x-ray and imagery and in creating a course of treatment. The staff is friendly and definitely concerned with their patients. Comfortable environment.

Melisa Radford

I am not the biggest fan of the dentist, however this was the BEST dentist experience I have ever had! Everyone was so kind and I got everything I needed done in one visit!

Allie Hackett

Michelle Campbell

They were very prompt and professional. I felt very comfortable in the visit. They have good exam specials without any hidden fees. I have found me a permanent dentist office. Thanks URBN staff.

Shayla Williams

URBN Dental provided great service and they were all so nice. They did a great job communicating with me and i would recommend to all.

Emmelyn Nguyen

I had a root canal and a crown done here, the entire process took about an hour. Will be back in 2 weeks for my final crown! Great doctor, great staff.