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Wisdom tooth extraction:
pain, recovery and afterwards
The third molar or wisdom tooth has the highest chances of complications as compared to other teeth. Since it is the last tooth to erupt in the oral cavity, we often see adults coming to us with wisdom tooth problems. If severe pain, dental infection, and other complications arise because of the eruption or because of a deep cavity, then the wisdom tooth must be removed.
Removal of the wisdom tooth
The surgery to remove the wisdom tooth usually lasts for 45 minutes or less if no complications occur. Depending on the position of the wisdom tooth, its condition, and the level of surgery to be performed, one of these anesthesia options could be availed:
- Local anesthesia (LA) with or without laughing gas
- Oral sedation with the laughing gas and LA
- Intravenous sedation (IV Sedation)
Depending on the type of surgery, level of cutting of tissues/bones and an individual’s pain threshold, a patient could feel little or no pain to moderate or severe pain once the anesthesia has worn off after the surgery.
A little bleeding and swelling could be expected for the next three days, at least.
Recovery after the extraction
If the dentist’s instructions are followed correctly, then major pain and swelling relief should be gone within three days. However, it may take a few weeks for the mouth to completely heal.
1. Pain relief
Pain killers and antibiotics like ibuprofen and amoxicillin are given a few days before surgery and for a few days after it to control the symptoms of pain and swelling and also to prevent any infection at the extraction site.
Some home remedies suggested for post-operative pain relief are:
- Warm saltwater rinse: It is one of the most advised home remedies to curb any infectious bacteria which may lead to pain.
- Ice pack: Using an ice pack helps reduce the facial swelling and pain caused by the surgery.
- Moist heat: It is a great way to reduce soreness and pain, especially in the surrounding jawbone.
2. Food choices
It is advised to take mainly cold, healthy fluids and a cold, super soft diet during the healing weeks after surgery.
Chewing pressure can trigger pain and cause food impaction in the surgical site which may lead to superimposed infections. Soft food and good oral hygiene is therefore recommended.
3. Oral Hygiene
It is very important to keep the surgical socket clean. For this, use lukewarm salt water for softly rinsing the mouth. It will help avoid the build-up of bacteria.
Equally important is the care of the adjacent teeth. If the remaining teeth are not clean, it can also trigger an infection in the surgical site. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the adjacent teeth. This will also prevent a possible tissue tear.
4. Bleeding
Some bleeding for two or three days after such an extensive surgery is normal. Regular soft rinsing with cold water helps clean up the blood residue in the mouth; plus it helps to reduce the bleeding. This is in addition to the lukewarm water rinses.
On the day of surgery, you may need to change the gauze after every 30 to 60 minutes, but in later days, use of gauze may not be necessary.
If the bleeding is slightly more, you can continue using a clean gauze by folding it enough to apply a firm amount of pressure on the tissue, until the bleeding stops.
5. Swelling
Swelling is normal after the surgery. It is at its peak for two to three days but should start reducing after three days and completely gone within a week or maximum ten days.
If it's been longer than ten days, then the dental surgeon should be duly informed.
6. Sutures
The stitches used in wisdom tooth surgeries are usually bio-dissolvable. In case they are not, the dentist will give you an appointment for removal as appropriate.
7. Rest
Rest and a good sleep generally help the body to recuperate quickly. Make sure to elevate the pillows before you lie down to sleep.
8. Discoloration and nausea
Bruising or discoloration and nausea is normal after surgery and not to be worried about post-op because it may be because of bleeding into the tissues from the surgery site. If medications are taken properly, it should subsite within two or three days.
Please note that women on birth control and cardiac, hypertensive, and diabetic patients etc., should consult their doctors for their medication readjustment before getting a wisdom tooth extraction.
Keep an eye out for
these signs
- Persistent bleeding
- Infection- may present as persistent swelling, pain, high fever and yellow/white discharge.
- Dry socket- severe pain because of lack of blood clot formation.
- Nerve damage- persistent pain or numbness of lower lip and chin.
Take care of the remaining teeth!
It is important to maintain the health of remaining teeth to ensure that the surgical site remains healthy. Brushing regularly twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing or mouthwash after eating, cleaning the tongue and avoiding sugary and acidic foods helps a great deal in taking care of the rest of the teeth.
