Once your dentist has determined that you need a wisdom teeth extraction I’m sure you’ll have a lot of questions. I’m sure that you’ve heard the horror stories that wisdom teeth extraction is painful experience that can leave you bed-ridden for days.
While surgery is nothing to take lightly, your dentist will always try their best to minimize pain following the extraction of wisdom teeth.
Before the procedure your dentist will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be removed. Sometimes a general anesthetic may be used if several or all of your wisdom teeth will be removed at the same time.
A general anesthetic prevents pain in the whole body and will “put you under” through the procedure. It is recommended that you don’t eat or drink after midnight on the night before the surgery.
Following the surgery your dentist will prescribe a painkiller to lessen the pain for the coming days. The recovery period only lasts a few days but here are a couple tips to expedite the process.
- While your mouth is numb from the anesthetic be careful not to bite the inside of your cheek or lip.
- Elevate your head and do not lie flat, as this may prolong bleeding.
- Use an ice pack on the outside of your cheek for the first 24 hours. Use a warm, wet washcloth for the following 2 or 3 days.
- Be sure to take it easy and relax. Physical activity may increase bleeding
- For your diet eat soft foods such as gelatin, pudding, or thin soups/broth
- Do not smoke this can cause dry sockets which are incredibly painful.
- Continue to brush your teeth and tongue carefully.
You should schedule a follow up appointment with your dentist a week following your surgery.