Nearly 85 percent of adults have had their wisdom teeth removed. Whether it may be due to a dentist’s recommendation or personal preference, removing them is quite normal.
However, the overall treatment and procedure can become bothersome for others. This is why being proactive is essential when having wisdom teeth removal surgery.
Purpose of Wisdom Tooth Removal Surgery
In your regular check-ups, your dentist will monitor the growth and development of your wisdom teeth. If they do not pose any risk or problem, a removal surgery may no longer be necessary.
But, if they seem impacted, which will be proven on dental x-rays, your dentist may urge you to have surgery to remove the wisdom tooth or teeth in question. This is one of the most common reasons why surgery is necessary.
Aside from this, though, the removal procedure has other purposes. Your dentist will check whether the developing wisdom tooth or teeth will have an adverse impact or effect on the neighboring teeth.
If they have the potential to cause harm or increase the risk of any damage, surgery may be needed. The risks include:
- Infection
- Tooth decay
- Damage to surrounding teeth
- Periodontal disease
There are cases, as well, when dentists suggest a wisdom teeth removal even when there are no current symptoms or apparent dental issues. This usually happens based on the discretion of your dental expert, alongside your preferences.
Dentists normally explain the challenges and potential problems of having wisdom teeth. Considering that they are in an area that is challenging to reach during brushing and flossing, it may become a daunting task to maintain good oral hygiene with the wisdom teeth in place.
Preparations You Will Need
Here are some pointers for you that you may want to apply when preparing for a removal surgery:
Stocking up on recovery items
Recovery items include medications, recommended and suggested consumables, and other post-surgery items that may help you during the recovery period. You should have them on hand before undergoing the surgery or treatment.
Reduce the chances of nausea and vomiting with ClearFast
Keep in mind that dentists typically recommend patients to fast overnight before the actual day of surgery. Because of this, the impact of the surgery can be quite challenging for some to bear, especially if they do not have sustenance.
This is why some dental experts recommend ClearFast, which acts as liquid food. It also helps reduce the risks of nausea and vomiting after the surgery.
Prepare Your Schedule
As part of the preparation before the surgery, you should make sure to have an organized schedule. Clear your days beforehand, and ensure to have allowances for your recovery period.
Have someone, as well, with you to drive you to and from the dental clinic.
Wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing
Loose and comfortable clothing items are also recommendable to allow you to move freely during the surgery. The last thing you want during the treatment is to be conscious of your clothing items due to discomfort and inconvenience.
For Your Recovery
These are the top things and notes that you will need for your healing period and recovery:
Focus on soft foods
During the recovery and healing period, you must focus on consuming soft foods. Your mouth is more sensitive after the operation and surgery, and you do not want to hamper the recovery process due to hard and sticky snacks.
Some of the most ideal foods that you will want to have stock inside your pantry are soups, yogurt, smoothies, pudding, eggs, oatmeal, and fish. It will take weeks, as well, before you can start adding hard foods to your diet.
Avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously or drinking through a straw
Your mouth will feel sore after the surgery. If you are thinking of rinsing water or using a straw when drinking to minimize the pain and inconvenience, you got it wrong.
As much as possible, avoid doing these things as they may hinder the healing process.
Don’t drink alcohol or use mouthwash with alcohol
Alcoholic drinks are also not ideal during recovery. Even using mouthwash that has alcohol content in it is not recommended. The dentists in Marlborough MA highly suggest using a mouthwash with cetylpyridinium chloride as an active ingredient. Cetylpyridinium chloride is an antiseptic that effectively kills bacteria without the need to be mixed with alcohol.
Avoid brushing your teeth next to the extraction site
Swelling and bleeding will persist for a couple of weeks. Accordingly, you must not do anything that will encourage these things. These include brushing and flossing the neighboring teeth.
Use a soft manual toothbrush
While it is advised not to brush the teeth near the extraction site, this does not mean that you should avoid brushing and flossing your teeth altogether.
To avoid further bleeding and swelling, utilize a manual toothbrush instead of the electric sets. You will have more control over the strokes as you clean your teeth and gums.
Conclusion
Having your wisdom teeth removed is a decision that you should make, alongside your dentist. While it will be your call at the end of the day, make sure to acknowledge all of the guidance and advice of your dentist.
Also, it is always best to prepare before having a dental procedure or treatment, even if it does not involve your wisdom teeth. Being proactive will help you minimize all the potential inconveniences, and may make your whole experience a lot better.
