In previous blogs we have tackled the question of whether a wisdom tooth needs to be extracted or not. This article aims to give some general advice on how to look after your mouth and the extraction site should you need to extract a wisdom tooth.
SEE ALSO: Wisdom Teeth Removal: Go or No Go?
Wisdom teeth extractions should be viewed generally like any other extraction, or indeed any other surgery, where post operative complications may arise, and of course the body responds to the surgery in trying to heal itself in many ways, hence we should be ready to expect certain symptoms. It is important to note here that there are some cases where the postoperative symptoms are very minimal, and other cases where the symptoms could be exaggerated. The aim of this article is to give a general view of what to expect and how to react to the symptoms. It is better to be prepared for a worst case scenario, and by being prepared we could help reduce the effects of the post operative symptoms.
Postoperative pain
Swelling
Bleeding
Dry Socket
A dry socket is an infection that occurs after an extraction. This usually occurs as the blood clot gets washed away (for various reasons, including food impaction) and exposes the walls of the bone, which then in turn become infected. This normally occurs 3-5 days after the extraction and is identifiable by the change in nature of the pain from a deep ache to a more continuous pain. The pain is usually accompanied with a foul taste. There are predisposing factors to this condition, including smoking, oral contraceptives and the difficulty of the surgery. Although this is a condition that may arise, especially with difficult wisdom teeth extractions, it is fortunately easy to treat with a simple cleaning of the socket and dressing with an antiseptic dressing and the symptoms usually resolve within minutes, and therefore if you suspect that your socket is infected, it is advisable you see your dentist as soon as possible to treat this condition.
So, in conclusion, although there are some symptoms to be expected after extraction of wisdom teeth, these are usually self limiting. In addition all the above symptoms usually occur for the first few days after surgery and most patients recover fully from any symptoms within 7-10 days. If you have any doubts however a quick visit to your dentist will help alleviate your concerns and tackle any issues which may have arisen.
