Wisdom teeth are the teeth furthest back in the jaw. In many people, these molars do not even come through. Humans have wisdom teeth on each side of their upper and lower jaws. Although these wisdom teeth are sometimes not visible, they can cause pain and discomfort when they become inflamed or grow crooked.
The decision to have a molar removed is often made in the event of a serious gum disease, which results in the molar coming loose from the jaw bone. A wisdom tooth may also be pulled when it has been badly affected by tooth decay or irreparably broken and damaged from oral trauma.
What to expect immediately after the procedure
It is normal to feel some pain after the removal of a molar. This can take up to five days. Our dentist may recommend you take paracetamol, which is widely available at drugstores. If necessary, a stronger painkiller may be prescribed. The local anesthetic usually wears off after two to four hours. It is best to take the painkiller before the local anesthetic has completely worn off. Slight swelling is also common. The swelling should subside after three to five days.
What to do after a molar extraction
There are a few things you should pay attention to after getting a molar pulled. These tips will help you heal and recover faster:
- Do not rinse or spit for faster wound healing for the first 24 hours.
- The use of dairy products is not recommended
- Bite down gently on the gauze for at least half an hour
- Avoid sitting in the full sun (or tanning bed) immediately after the procedure
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption for the first 24 hours
- You are allowed to eat and drink.
Book an appointment for wisdom tooth extraction today
If a wisdom tooth is badly diseased or damaged, there is sometimes no other option but to extract it. At our clinic, we only make this choice if there is no other way out. We take high-resolution images before starting the procedure. Our dentist will use these images to understand the tooth structure and determine the best way to proceed to achieve the best results. We carry out this treatment painlessly with the greatest care and using the latest techniques.If you would like to get more information about having your wisdom teeth pulled, please give us a call now.