Wisdom teeth are vestigial molars that exist in the back of the mouth. These teeth are practically leftovers from a different era, and most dentists will ultimately recommend that a patient remove them to save them the possible headache of incurring problems down the line. Because of their position in the mouth, wisdom teeth often suffer from the impacts of neglect and decay at a faster rate than other teeth in the mouth. This is the basis for their frequent removal, which requires a recovery period after the fact. If you need to undergo wisdom tooth extraction, take a look at this guide, which details how to speed up wisdom teeth removal recovery.
Wisdom Teeth Basics
The wisdom teeth are the molars that exist in the very back of the mouth. Depending on your situation, you could have four teeth, two, or none at all. The reason for this discrepancy lies in the fact that these teeth are slowly evolving out of existence in the human body.
Why Remove Your Wisdom Teeth?
Despite the discomfort it might cause, most dentists will recommend that a patient remove their wisdom teeth should they be present. The rationale behind this is that wisdom teeth can be prone to incurring damage and decay that is not necessary due to their obscure position in the back of the mouth. In addition, wisdom teeth have the potential to change the shape and position of the other teeth of the mouth by applying pressure to them.
Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Removal
There are a few steps you can take to improve your experience and potential outcomes with wisdom teeth removal. Professionals recommend some of the following steps:
- Discuss any elements of your overall health profile with your dentist that may impact your procedure
- Possibly modify your intake of over-the-counter or prescription medication
- Receive details regarding what you can expect from your procedure
- Discuss the type of anesthesia you will receive for your procedure
- Take the appropriate steps to take time off from school or work
Overall, your procedure should only take approximately 45 minutes. Because of the presence of either local or general anesthesia during the procedure, you should not experience any pain during the actual extraction. In addition, virtually all patients will be able to return home directly following their procedure, barring a complication during surgery.
How Long Does it Take to Recover From Wisdom Teeth Removal?
In general, your dentist will likely recommend that you set aside approximately a week or so to fully recover from your wisdom teeth surgery. There is some variability with this, although most patients will need to set aside at least three days to fully recover from their procedure. The first 48 hours of this period will be when your mouth is the most sensitive.
It is normal to experience some level of discomfort during this period, sometimes at a moderate or heavy level. Some of the symptoms that are commonly experienced in this degree include:
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Soreness
- Inflammation
You should monitor your symptoms to ensure that they are indeed improving over time. Symptoms that do not improve are often an indication that something may have gone wrong during the procedure.
How to Speed Up Wisdom Teeth Removal Recovery
There are certain steps you can take to expedite the rate of recovery from your wisdom teeth removal procedure. Some of the following have been found useful by many patients:
- Consume soft and nutritious food to minimize the impact it makes
- Drink plenty of water to stay as hydrated as possible
- Use ice packs to reduce swelling and discomfort
- Try using over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen to reduce inflammation
- Rinse your mouth with mouthwash or a saltwater rinse to help keep the mouth clean
- Get plenty of rest, and do not exert yourself excessively
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol during your recovery period
In addition, your dentist may have additional advice for you on a personal level for effective ways to manage and navigate your own recovery period. Heeding their advice in this regard should be considered a priority.
Wisdom Teeth Removal in Highland
East Highland Dental is dedicated to offering its customers the highest level of dental care available. If you are due to have your wisdom teeth removed and are interested in discussing with your dentist the best way to speed up your recovery period, contact us today to set up an appointment.