Are you nervous about your wisdom teeth being removed? It’s normal, but you don’t have to be. After all, your decision to get it done is for the benefit of your dental health. All you have to do is develop the right mindset about the operation to lose the jitters.
Besides, according to an expert dentist in wisdom teeth removal at Fort Lauderdale, you can rest easy when you know why the procedure is required, and what happens during and after operation, so in the end, you turn out fine and the treatment is a success.
Why do wisdom teeth have to be removed?
- Impacted wisdom teeth – Wisdom teeth, being located so far back in the mouth, sometimes do not grow out normally. They are either trapped in your gums or jawbone which can be extremely painful.
- Cavities or gum disease – Again, with the wisdom teeth being thus located, they are usually hard to reach or clean efficiently using a toothbrush or a dental floss.
- Wrong angle – Sometimes wisdom teeth end up pressing against the other teeth, misaligning them.
- Small mouth – If the jaw doesn’t have enough space to house an extra set of molars, wisdom tooth growth can cause a lot of pain.
Before and during surgery
Prior to leaving home for your surgery, make sure to do the following:
- Go in clean by making sure that you’ve brushed, tongue-scraped, and flossed as you won’t be able to do that immediately after the surgery. You can also get teeth cleaning beforehand to ensure that every part of your mouth is thoroughly hygienic.
- Set up a recovery room at home with elevated pillows, water, a sleeping station, and any source of entertainment.
- Prepare food in advance as you’re likely to be too light-headed to cook. A batch of bone broth for reheating that can last for a week is a good idea.
To stay comfortable during the procedure, these tips can help:
- Wear comfortable clothing with layers
Short sleeves may be helpful for an IV but you should also bring a sweater or blanket as you can get cold. Your chest should be covered to prevent the bib from sticking onto you. Bringing in some cozy sweatpants can also make a huge difference.
- Bring a friend or relative
Having someone to support you and be by your side during the surgery is important. This can help ease your anxiety away and prevent you from hyperventilating.
- Block out noise by using in-ear headphones
The noise during the surgery may make you feel uneasy, and cause you to panic. Using headphones can help you block out some noise, and listen to some relaxing music to calm yourself down.
On average and depending on your condition, wisdom tooth removal surgery can take about 45 minutes or less.
You will be administered a certain type of anesthesia so that you won’t feel any pain during the surgery as your operating doctor may have to cut through your bone or gums to get the problem wisdom teeth out.
There’s no need to worry as the doctor will stitch up the wounds shut so they heal faster. These stitches usually dissolve in just a few days. Your dentist will also place gauze pads inside your mouth to absorb any blood.
After surgery
Each person has a different response to anesthesia. Most individuals feel little to no pain after surgery.
If you had general anesthesia and still feel drowsy, you will need someone to take you home.
You may experience some mild discomfort and swelling for three or more days after. Don’t push yourself too hard as your mouth may need a few weeks to heal completely, and remember to abide by your doctor’s instructions to have a fast recovery.
Here are things you should do during the first three days after the surgery:
Dos
- To curb the swelling and skin color changes, use an ice pack on your face.
- Use moist heat in relieving a sore jaw.
- Drink lots of water.
- Only brush your teeth starting on the second day and make sure not to brush against blood clots.
- Softly open and close your mouth to exercise the jaw.
- Take the medicine prescribed by your doctor on time to ease the pain and swelling.
- If you’re having fever, or the pain and swelling you’re experiencing don’t improve, make sure to inform your doctor ASAP.
- Keep your head elevated for the first three days.
- Limit any activities, even mildly strenuous ones; instead, get enough rest.
Don’ts
- Don’t drink liquid using a straw as sucking can loosen blood clots which are actually helping your mouth to heal.
- Don’t eat crunchy, sticky, or hard foods that may scrape at your wounds.
- Don’t smoke as it can impede your healing.
- Don’t wash your mouth with harsh rinses; just gargle gently using salt water.
The thought of having surgery is always unnerving.
But now that you understand what you’re getting yourself into, you can have peace of mind and do what you must for your oral health.
