Wisdom tooth removal is a surgery to remove one or more of your wisdom teeth, the last teeth at the back of your mouth. Dentists or oral surgeons do this procedure.
They carefully remove these teeth to prevent problems like pain, overcrowding, or infection. You’ll get numbing medicine during the surgery, so you won’t feel pain. The dentist will gently take out the teeth and may stitch the area to heal nicely. Read more here.
Is it Safe to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Many people who visit our clinic for wisdom teeth removal in Singapore frequently ask; is it safe to remove wisdom teeth? Here’s the answer;
Removing your wisdom teeth is a safe procedure, similar to taking out any other teeth. Don’t fret over myths; they aren’t true! The recovery process is actually often better than you might think. And, wisdom teeth are just like your other teeth.
So, if done correctly in the right settings, taking them out shouldn’t put you at risk. To ensure a smooth recovery, adhere to your surgeon’s post-treatment guidelines. Here’s what to avoid:
- Strenuous Activities: Give yourself some time to rest and recover. Avoid heavy lifting or intense workouts for a few days after the surgery.
- Spicy and Hard Foods: Stick to soft and easy-to-chew foods like soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. Avoid crunchy or spicy foods that might irritate the healing sites.
- Smoking and Alcohol: Steer clear of tobacco and alcoholic beverages. They can slow down healing and may lead to complications.
- Using Straws: Avoid using straws for drinking, as the sucking motion can dislodge the blood clots and delay healing.
- Touching the Surgical Site: Keep your hands away from the surgical area to prevent infections and promote healing.
- Skipping Medication: Take prescribed pain relievers and antibiotics as instructed by your surgeon. Don’t skip doses; they help manage pain and prevent infections.
Everyone’s experience is different, but following the guidelines by your surgeon will give you the best chance at a comfortable and trouble-free recovery. Trust your surgeon, stay positive, and soon you’ll return to your usual self with a healthier mouth.
What will happen if the Wisdom Tooth is removed?
If you’re contemplating wisdom tooth removal in Singapore, you might wonder; what will happen if the wisdom tooth is removed? It isn’t complicated.
Your surgeon will walk you through what to expect so any changes don’t come as a surprise. To have a smooth and comfortable experience, here are some essentials to know about the recovery process;
- Soreness and Swelling: It’s normal to feel soreness and swelling in your jaw after the extraction. This is because your body is working hard to heal the area. And, here is the good news. These discomforts usually last only a few days. To ease the swelling, gently apply a cold pack on the outside of your cheek for short periods.
- Pain Management: It’s natural to have some pain after the surgery. However, your dentist or oral surgeon will make sure you’re as comfortable as possible. They may prescribe pain medication to help you manage any discomfort. Also, they may suggest OTC pain relievers to help with the pain. Always follow their advice. Also, don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure.
- Bleeding: You may notice some slight bleeding from the extraction sites. Again, don’t fret; this too is normal. To control the bleeding, gently bite on a piece of gauze for about 30-45 minutes. Usually, the bleeding should stop within the first 24 hours. However, if it persists, contact your surgeon for further guidance.
- Restricted Diet: Your mouth will be sensitive after the surgery. So, it’s important to stick to a soft or liquid diet for the initial days. Foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, soups, and smoothies are good options. Avoid hot or spicy foods. Also, refrain from chewing on the side of your mouth where the extraction occurred.
- Oral Hygiene: Keeping your mouth clean is crucial for a smooth recovery. However, be gentle and avoid vigorous rinsing for the first 24 hours. After that, you can rinse with warm salt water a few times daily to keep the area clean and promote healing.
- Stitches: If you receive stitches, your dentist will let you know when they need removal. Some stitches dissolve on their own, while others may require a quick and painless removal process. Your dental professional will take care of this for you.
- Bruising: It’s possible to notice some bruising on your face after the surgery. But don’t worry; this is only temporary. The bruises should fade away within a week or so.
- Numbness: In some cases, you may experience temporary numbness in your lips, tongue, or cheeks due to the local anesthesia used during the extraction. Rest assured that this will wear off gradually, and you’ll regain full sensation in no time.
- Rest and Recovery: Take it easy for the first few days after the surgery. Avoid strenuous activities and get plenty of rest to help your body heal efficiently.
- Follow Instructions: Your dentist will provide you with post-operative instructions to follow. These instructions are crucial for a faster and complication-free recovery. Make sure to adhere to them carefully.
- Avoid Certain Habits: During the healing period, it’s important to steer clear of habits that could disrupt the recovery process. As earlier mentioned, avoid smoking and drinking through straws, as they can interfere with the healing of the extraction sites.
Everyone’s experience may differ slightly. However, these general guidelines should give you a good idea of what to expect after your wisdom tooth removal.
The key is to be patient with your body as it heals. Also, give it the care and attention it needs during this period.
In Closing
Wisdom tooth removal is a common procedure to avoid potential dental problems and ensure your oral health. After the surgery, you can expect a few manageable side effects.
Follow your dentist’s post-operative instructions, and take it easy. Importantly, be sure to maintain good oral hygiene for a smooth recovery. And if you have any concerns during your healing journey, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your dental or oral surgeon.
We prioritize your comfort and safety at the Dennis tan Dental. You can trust our expert team for safe wisdom tooth removal. To book your consultation today for a healthier, happier smile, call or visit us at;