Wisdom tooth surgery involves the removal of one or more third molars, popularly known as “wisdom teeth,” from the upper and lower jaws. This surgery is typically advised when the wisdom teeth are impacted or are not growing properly, potentially causing harm to other teeth and other dental concerns.
If your wisdom teeth are impacted but not causing any difficulties, they normally do not need to be removed. This is because there is no demonstrated advantage to doing so, and it involves the risk of problems.
Sometimes, wisdom teeth that have been impacted or haven’t entirely broken through the gum’s surface might create dental difficulties. Food and bacteria can become trapped around the edge of wisdom teeth, resulting in plaque buildup, tooth decay, gum disease, pericoronitis, cellulitis, abscess, cysts, and benign growths.
Doctors may use a local anesthetic or general anesthesia to numb the region before removing the tooth or teeth. The extracted tooth or teeth are inspected and submitted to a lab for infection or disease testing. Following the extraction, it is important to maintain appropriate dental hygiene to guarantee normal healing and reduce the risk of infection.
Wisdom Teeth Removal Aftermath
Dissolving stitches are used to close the wound if a cut is formed. Your dentist will inform you how long it will take for the stitches to go away (usually 7 to 10 days).
Your dentist may apply gauze to the extraction site and instruct you to apply pressure to it by chewing your jaws together for up to an hour. This is done to allow for the formation of a blood clot in the vacant tooth socket. Blood clots are a typical part of the healing process, so avoid dislodging them.
If you have an ongoing infection, antibiotics may be recommended in some circumstances. In addition, you should avoid the following activities for the first 24 hours after having your wisdom teeth extracted:
- Washing your mouth with water
- Consuming alcoholic beverages and smoking
- Consuming hot drinks like tea or soup
- Difficult physical activity
Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery
It might take up to two weeks to heal following a wisdom tooth removal surgery. During this time, you may experience:
- A swollen mouth and cheeks will be worse in the beginning but will eventually decrease; gently pressing a cool towel to your face helps minimize swelling.
- A little obvious bruise on your cheek – The skin may be injured for up to two weeks.
- A stiff, aching jaw that should go away in 7 to 10 days
- Pain is exacerbated if the extraction is tough or complex.
- A disagreeable taste on your tongue
- Face tingling or numbness, lips, or tongue.
Any excessive bleeding, intense discomfort, or other odd symptoms should be promptly reported to your dentist or oral surgeon.
What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Foods should be soft and simple to chew following surgery. They should also be high in vitamins, protein, energy, and minerals to aid in wound healing. Some meals that may be appropriate include:
- Yogurt
- Pureed or mashed vegetables, such as broccoli, parsnips, or carrots
- Mashed beans, such as butter beans, black beans, or kidney beans
- Soft cheeses
- Oatmeal
- Pureed seedless fruit
- Mashed banana
- Applesauce
- Milkshakes and smoothies
- Pudding
- Avocado
- Jelly
- Soups and broths
- Mashed sweet or regular potatoes
- Ice cream and frozen yogurt
- Scrambled eggs
Wisdom Teeth Removal Cost
What is the typical cost of getting wisdom teeth removed? The cost of a wisdom teeth extraction will vary on various things. The following factors influence the cost of this procedure:
- The procedure’s complication. Wisdom teeth that are impacted or crooked might be more costly to remove.
- How many wisdom teeth must be removed? Some dentists may give you a discount if you have all four wisdom teeth removed at once.
- Your age. Wisdom teeth removal later in life might be more expensive
- Examinations and X-rays. Determining what’s happening under the gum’s surface may incur additional costs.
- You may require a prescription painkiller after the treatment to help you manage discomfort.
Wisdom Tooth Surgery Near Me in Ahwatukee, Phoenix, Arizona
Dr. Foroughi of Atrium Dental in Phoenix, Arizona, offers the best wisdom tooth surgery services. You can meet Dr. Foroughi to learn more about dental surgeries and treatment choices and determine if you qualify for wisdom tooth surgery.
To discuss your dentistry options, schedule a consultation session at (480) 940-4321, fill out our online appointment form.
I had a wisdom tooth removed by Dr. Forooghi, and he was amazing – explained everything, and the recovery was much smoother than I expected.