Wisdom Teeth Extraction: How to Prevent Pain and Avoid Complications

Wisdom teeth extractions are popular among young adults, usually in the late teens or early twenties. While removing them can prevent future dental issues, the thought of surgery can be intimidating. Proper preparation—before and after your procedure—can reduce pain and lower the risk of complications.

Understanding Wisdom Teeth and Why They Might Be Removed

Wisdom teeth, known as third molars, typically emerge between 17 and 25. While some grow in without problems, others can cause issues such as:

• Impaction: Teeth don’t have enough room to emerge or grow properly, which can cause discomfort or swelling.
• Crowding: Some developing wisdom teeth can cause other teeth to shift positions.
• Decay or gum problems: Located at the back of the mouth, they’re harder to clean, making them more prone to cavities and gum inflammation.

Not all wisdom teeth need removal, but extraction is often recommended when any of these problems occur. After reviewing X-rays, your dentist or oral surgeon will determine whether removal is required to safeguard your dental health.

Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Preparation helps make your experience smoother and recovery easier. Before your appointment:

1. Consult with your Gordon Dentist or Oral Surgeon. They will make X-ray films to identify the position of your wisdom teeth and explain the process.
2. Plan Your Recovery Time: Schedule a few days off work or school.
3. Prepare Your Home: Stock up on gauze, soft meals, ice packs, and any prescription medicines.
4. Follow Pre-Surgery Instructions: Before surgery, your dentist may ask you to abstain from food and liquids for a specific period.

The Extraction Procedure

Depending on your comfort level and the difficulty of the extraction, wisdom teeth extractions are typically performed under local anaesthesia, sedation, or general anaesthesia.

It usually takes 45 to an hour to complete the process. Here’s a brief overview:

1. Anesthesia: To make you comfortable, your dentist will numb the region surrounding your teeth.
2. Extraction: The dentist will make an incision in the gum tissue to gain access to the tooth and bone. If the tooth is deeply impacted, it may be removed in sections to make the extraction easier.
3. Stitches: In some cases, stitches are used to close the incision. These may dissolve on their own or be removed later.

Your Gordon dentist will take you through every process and make sure that you are as relaxed as possible during it.

Post-Operative Care

Proper aftercare is crucial for preventing pain and complications.

Here are some essential tips:

1. Control Bleeding: Apply pressure with a gauze pad over the extraction site. Replace gauze pads once they are saturated with blood.
2. Manage Swelling and Pain: Use an ice pack on your face for 15–20 minutes during the first 24 hours. Take prescribed pain medicines as directed.
3. Rest: Avoid excessive physical exercise for a couple of days. When lying down, keep your head elevated with pillows to reduce swelling.
4. Diet: Avoid hard foods and everything you have to chew for the first few days. Avoiding hot, spicy, or hard meals that could irritate the extraction site is advised.
5. Hydrate: Take much water, but do not use a straw to drink because the sucking action can remove the clot that forms in the socket and lead to a dry socket.
6. Oral Hygiene: Do not brush the extraction area on the first day. Then rinse under warm salt water a few times a day, preferably after meals.

Recognising and Preventing Complications

While complications are rare, it’s essential to be aware of potential issues and know when to contact your dentist:

1. Dry Socket: This happens when the clot formed in the socket is carried away before a new socket has formed or when the clot dissolves and the wound gapes open, revealing the bone and nerves. Its symptoms are severe pain and a feeling of unpleasant taste in the mouth. To reduce the risk, avoid smoking, spitting, or using straws during recovery.
2. Infection: Symptoms of infection include fever, worsening pain, swelling and extraction site discharge. Keeping the area clean and following your dentist’s instructions can help prevent infection.
3. Nerve Injury: Rarely, extraction can cause tingling or numbness in the tongue, chin, or lower lip. This is usually temporary, but report any persistent symptoms to your dentist.

Long-Term Care

After your recovery, maintaining good oral health is essential to support long-term well-being. Here are some tips:

1. Regular Dental Visits: Maintain regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings to monitor your teeth and gums.
2. Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly, paying extra attention to areas where wisdom teeth were removed to prevent plaque build-up.
3. Healthy Diet: Consume a healthy diet containing sufficient vitamins and minerals to maintain good teeth and gums.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Gordon

Don’t let wisdom teeth pain disrupt your life. With proper preparation and timely care, you can ensure a smoother procedure and faster recovery.

At Northern Dental Gordon, we aim to make your visit comfortable and positive while helping you maintain your oral health for years to come.

Call us at (02) 9498 8290 or book an appointment online.

We are located at Suite 3, 2 St Johns Ave in Gordon.