Wisdom Tooth Extraction Recovery - Dental Designs Clinic Singapore

If the thought of getting your wisdom teeth extracted makes you uneasy, you're not alone. Many people hesitate about the procedure due to fears of severe pain and complications associated to it. However, with the right care, recovery can be smooth and manageable. Here’s everything you need to know to navigate your recovery with confidence, making your return to daily activities smoother.

Is it Necessary to Remove the Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom tooth also known as third molar are the last teeth to erupt in the mouth. These sneaky little teeth usually erupt around late teen's age which is 17-25 years old. Based on the complexity of the tooth removal, wisdom teeth may be extracted either surgically or through a standard extraction procedure.

Wisdom teeth may cause complications that get worse over time such as pain, infection due to tooth decay or gum disease, and damage to neighboring teeth.

What to Expect After the Extraction

After having your wisdom teeth removed, it's crucial to care for the extraction site to ensure a smooth healing process.

Numbness

You may notice numbness in your mouth, which is due to the anaesthesia given. This sensation will gradually wear off, but do take care to avoid biting your lip or tongue during this period. Also, hold off on hot food and drinks until the numbness goes away .

Bleeding

Slight bleeding is expected after the extraction. You might notice a bit of blood in your saliva, especially in the first 24 hours. If bleeding persists for more than 24 hours and does not seem to reduce, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Do remember not to press or touch the extraction site and prevent dislodgment of the blood clot. This prevents any risk of "Dry socket.

Swelling:

Minor swelling is your body’s way of healing, so don’t be surprised if it peaks within the first couple of days. Using an ice pack on your face in 20-minute intervals can help keep the swelling down and make you more comfortable. Should you experience persistent facial swelling, please do not hesitate to contact us or visit a nearby hospital with an dental surgeon for further assistance.

Pain and Discomfort:

Some discomfort is part of the healing process, but it shouldn’t be overwhelming. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help, and if you’ve been prescribed something stronger, be sure to follow the instructions. If the pain gets worse or doesn’t start to improve after a few days, let us know.

Healing Time:

The initial healing period usually takes about a week or two, but it can take a bit longer for your gums to fully recover. Don’t rush the process, give your body the time it needs to heal after surgical procedure.

Stitches:

After the wisdom tooth surgery, you might require stiches which helps decrease bleeding. If the stiches come out or bleeding persists regardless of the stiches, reach out to our clinic immediately or to a hospital nearby which had an oral surgeon.

How to Make Post - Surgery Recovery Easier?

We understand that wisdom tooth extraction can be daunting. Proper care and following the dentist's instructions are key to recovering well from wisdom tooth surgery. Here are the following key points to take note: 

• Keep Pressure on the Gauze: After the procedure, you’ll need to bite down on some gauze for about 30 minutes to an hour. This helps form a blood clot that’s crucial for healing. If bleeding continues after that, change the gauze and keep biting. If it doesn’t stop, give us a call.
• Take It Easy: Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for the first few days. Giving your body a chance to rest will help prevent complications and speed up your recovery.
• Use Ice Packs: Maintain gentle oral hygiene to protect the blood clot that forms in the tooth socket, as this clot is essential for healing.  Applying ice packs to your face can really help with swelling. Do this in 20-minute intervals during the first 24 hours for the best results.
• Watch What You Eat: For the first few days, stick to cool or lukewarm soft foods. Hot or spicy food can irritate the area and slow down your healing.
• Soft Diet Is Your Friend: Choose food that is easy to chew, like soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and scrambled eggs. This will make eating more comfortable and won’t put unnecessary pressure on the healing area.
• Avoid Straws: Skip the straws for a few days. The sucking motion can disturb the blood clot and cause a painful condition called dry socket.
• Brush Gently: You can start brushing again the day after your extraction, but be gentle around the extraction site. You might feel mild discomfort while brushing over the extraction site. Avoid brushing harshly and directly over the area to keep it from getting irritated. If brushing over the area is difficult, rinse your mouth with salt water.
• Rinse Carefully: Rinsing with warm salt water can help clean the area and alleviate any bad taste in your mouth. Do this gently, vigorous rinsing could dislodge the blood clot and delay your recovery.
• Skip Smoking and Alcohol: For at least 48 hours, stay away from smoking andiIn the first 24 hours, avoid activities like drinking alcohol. Both can slow down the healing process and increase the chances of complications.
• Stick to Your Medications: Days after surgery, your dentist may prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to manage discomfort and prevent infection, especially if you have impacted wisdom teeth. 
  

Conclusion

If your condition worsens or you have any concerns during recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether you need advice or reassurance, we're here to support you through every step of your healing journey. Contact us via WhatsApp or call us directly if you need help.