Your wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to emerge in the back of your mouth. You can typically expect them to erupt in your late teens or early twenties. 

These wisdom teeth, however, don’t always emerge smoothly. While it’s a common dental problem many face, not everybody has trouble with their wisdom teeth. But if you experience symptoms like pain, facial swelling, inflamed gums and other oral health problems like an infection as they emerge, you may need wisdom tooth removal. 

Now, there are a few reasons behind wisdom tooth troubles. One of the main reasons is the lack of space in your mouth by the time your wisdom teeth begin to emerge. As a result, your wisdom teeth can get impacted and grow at an angle or emerge partially. Impacted wisdom teeth can also push and get stuck against neighbouring teeth, causing crowding and misalignment of your teeth. 

This is why our dentists often recommend wisdom teeth removal. It will promote better oral health and restore a healthy, pain-free smile. So, if you notice the warning signs of an impacted wisdom tooth, it’s best to talk to our friendly dentists at Warrnambool Smile Dental. They will assess your mouth and let you know if your wisdom teeth need to be removed. You have nothing to worry about because our dentists have years of experience performing safe, pain-free, quick wisdom tooth removal procedures. 

Recovering from Wisdom Teeth Extraction 

Recovery time can vary from person to person. The pain may subside within 2-3 days, and you can expect full recovery in about 2 weeks. But don’t worry, because you’ll be able to get back to your daily routine and activities within a week, with proper care and rest. 

That being said, here’s what you can expect after wisdom tooth removal, along with some handy tips for a smooth recovery: 

Pain and Swelling 

Pain and swelling are common after-effects of this procedure. As the anaesthetic wears off, you are likely to experience some discomfort. This discomfort, however, will wear off after 2-3 days. Our dentists will also prescribe medication to help ease it. If the pain doesn’t go away, we recommend visiting our dental practice so our dentists can take a look. 

You may also experience swelling. Place an ice pack over your face to help with the swelling, and steer clear of any strenuous activity that may increase discomfort. 

Bleeding 

After wisdom teeth removal, it is not uncommon to experience bleeding from the site of extraction. Your dentist will place a gauze pad over the extraction site and ask you to bite down on it gently. Doing this for about 30 minutes will promote blood clotting and help stop the bleeding. Seek dental care if the bleeding persists! 

Dry Socket 

Once the tooth is extracted, a blood clot usually forms in the socket, protecting the bone and the nerve. However, if this blood clot fails to form properly or gets dislodged, it can result in a dry socket condition. A dry socket is a common yet painful complication that can arise post-wisdom tooth removal. It can lead to an infection and even delay the recovery process. 

Symptoms of dry socket include: 

• Pain that worsens after the procedure 
• Fever 
• Bad breath
• An unpleasant taste in your mouth

If you experience any of these symptoms, visit our dental clinic immediately to prevent further complications. 

Wisdom Teeth Removal: Aftercare Tips 

Want a smooth, comfortable and quick recovery after your wisdom teeth extraction? Here are some tips for you! 

• Take the medication prescribed by our dentist to manage the pain.
• Avoid rinsing your mouth aggressively. 
• Drink lots of water, but avoid using straws because the suction motion can affect the formation of the blood clot over the extraction site.
• Get plenty of rest for at least 24 hours post-surgery.
• Consume only liquids (soups, juices, etc.) and avoid anything hot during the first 24-48 hours. You can gradually begin to eat soft, easy-to-chew foods after that window of time. 
• Hold warm salt water in your mouth after meals to keep your mouth clean. We recommend waiting at least 24 hours after the surgery to do this. 
• Avoid smoking for at least 48 hours after surgery.
• Refrain from consuming alcohol and engaging in strenuous activity. 
• Be gentle and careful when brushing your teeth in the days following the procedure. 

Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, but taking care of yourself afterwards is important. Having a good understanding of the post-operative care that goes into ensuring a smooth healing process is really helpful. Our friendly dentists will equip you with all the information you need to recover quickly. And if you need assistance or have any questions, our team is always here to help. So, don’t hesitate to contact us or schedule an appointment!