What to Expect After a Wisdom Tooth Removal

Wisdom tooth removal is typically performed when issues develop with the last set of molars. Wisdom teeth are the last set of permanent teeth to emerge, typically showing up around the ages of 17 to 21. Wisdom teeth are an evolutionary relic and they are not necessary for good oral health.

Wisdom teeth are more vulnerable to tooth decay due to their position at the back of the mouth. These teeth are harder to reach with a toothbrush or dental floss, so plaque and tartar deposits are more likely to develop on them. Due to the high risk of wisdom teeth being vulnerable to issues like tooth decay, dentists often recommend having a problematic wisdom tooth extracted when issues arise.

Wisdom teeth might also be extracted due to a person not having enough room on their jaw for new teeth. This can lead to some of the other teeth shifting or wisdom teeth not erupting properly.

Recovering after the extraction of a wisdom tooth

There are two main types of teeth extractions: simple and surgical. The former is performed when the tooth can be pulled out with forceps, while the latter requires surgical incisions to access and extract the tooth.

Local anesthetics are usually administered during extractions. General anesthetics might be used if the patient needs to have multiple teeth extracted at once. During the treatment, the dentist will pull out the problematic tooth from its root. At times, the tooth might be cut up into smaller pieces before being extracted.

Patients experience bleeding from the extraction site after the procedure. Biting down on a piece of gauze helps to slow down the bleeding and promotes the formation of a clot. It can take a few hours before the bleeding stops.

The extraction site will be sore for the next few days. Dentists recommend avoiding things that can aggravate it during this period. The first three days are crucial since the clot can easily become dislodged during this period, leading to a "dry socket." Here are some ways to cope with recovery after getting a wisdom tooth extracted:

Stick to liquid and soft foods for at least a week after an extraction
Avoid flossing or brushing for the first three days after an extraction. Use a saltwater rinse to clean the mouth instead and gently swish it around the mouth
Avoid using a straw or anything that requires sucking on something for a week after an extraction, as this can dislodge the clot that forms in the socket of the extracted tooth
Get plenty of rest. This speeds up recovery
Avoid smoking or consuming alcohol. This slows down the recovery process
Use any painkillers provided by the dentist as prescribed
Avoid spicy or hot foods
Avoid foods with tiny bits that can get stuck inside the extraction site