What You Need to Know About Wisdom Teeth Removal
Are you feeling a bit of pain when you chew because your jaw is growing too tight? If so, it might be time to consider wisdom teeth removal. And no, don’t worry—it’s not as daunting as it sounds! Although this removal procedure comes with its fair share of uncertainty and nerves, the good news is that it’s very common and safe.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through all the basics related to wisdom teeth removal: why they need removing in the first place, what happens during surgery (including recovery), and some tips on how to take care of yourself afterwards. So read on to know what lies ahead when getting your wisdom teeth out!
What is wisdom teeth removal?
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure, becoming increasingly popular among young adults. It typically involves the extraction of wisdom teeth – or third molars. Wisdom teeth are the last to come in and often grow at an angle, causing overcrowding and misalignment of your teeth. They can cause pain and infection leading to gum disease, cysts, or tooth decay because they are difficult to clean. Removing wisdom teeth can relieve pain or discomfort and avoid more serious oral health problems.
How is the removal process performed, and what can you expect afterwards?
In most cases, wisdom teeth removal is done by a dentist or an oral surgeon in the comfort of their office with the help of a local anesthetic to numb any pain you might feel during the procedure. Some doctors may consider using general anesthesia if you are uncomfortable with the procedure.
After surgery, you may experience pain, swelling, and bleeding. It is common but doesn’t last long. Recovery time varies per person, but overall, wisdom teeth removal helps improve your oral health quickly and safely.
Are there any alternatives to surgery for removing wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth removal is a stressful and complicated process, but for some individuals, extraction may not be the best option. Since wisdom teeth extraction requires the roots of the tooth to be removed in addition to the crown, it is likely to increase the risk of nerve damage for some patients. In this case, your dentist or oral surgeon might recommend a coronectomy instead.
A coronectomy involves removing the crown of wisdom teeth while leaving the roots in place. Since the tooth is the main source of most dental issues, such as tooth decay, a coronectomy can be a great alternative to extraction. A coronectomy could also be a safer choice for patients over 40 years old.
However, there are situations in which this procedure is not recommended:
- If the wisdom tooth or the roots are infected.
- If the wisdom tooth is loose
- If the tooth is growing horizontally along the nerves that are connected to your lips, chin, and tongue (inferior alveolar nerve)
What should you eat and avoid after wisdom teeth removal?
While recovering from wisdom teeth removal, it’s important to consider the types of foods you are eating. Soft, blended meals are great for this period as they are easier on your mouth and still provide essential nutrition, including:
- Blended tomato or pumpkin soup
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Apple sauce or puree
- Oatmeal
- Smoothies
- Soft fish, such as salmon
On the flip side, any food that is hard to chew or can irritate the wound should be temporarily avoided until your recovery has fully taken place, including cookies, chips, grains, and spicy foods.
Read also: All About Wisdom Teeth
Now that you know a little bit more about wisdom teeth removal, the process and what to expect, the alternative, as well as what you can eat afterwards, hopefully, you feel less anxious about getting them removed.
If you feel you may need wisdom teeth removal, Maestri Family Dental can help you! We are a family dentistry in Lafayette, LA, that has the best staff and affordable prices in the Acadiana area for all of your dental care needs. Schedule an appointment with us today!
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-to-eat-after-wisdom-teeth-removal#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2
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