Before and After Wisdom Teeth Extraction

By understanding what is to be expected before and after wisdom teeth extraction, patients are able to prepare mentally and physically for the procedure. While there is little that needs to be known about what to do during the procedure itself - since the patient is placed under anesthesia - it is more important for the patient to know how to prepare themselves before the procedure and what to do after the procedure takes place.

For your benefit, the following is everything you need to know about the process before and after wisdom teeth extraction.

Before wisdom teeth are extracted

It is important to properly prepare yourself for the wisdom teeth extraction to ensure that anxiety is kept to a minimum and the procedure goes smoothly. In the event that you feel as if wisdom teeth extraction is in order, be sure to do due diligence and know what to expect upon the first visit to the dentist.

Diagnosis

Upon the first visit to the dentist to see whether or not wisdom teeth extraction is necessary, your dentist is likely to first examine the current growth and whether or not the teeth are coming through in a problematic manner. In most cases, the dentist will conduct an X-ray to determine the positioning of the wisdom teeth. After gathering as much information as possible, the dentist will determine whether or not wisdom teeth extraction is necessary.

Questions to ask

If the dentist recommends an extraction, there is likely to be a lot of unanswered questions about the procedure before the wisdom teeth extraction procedure takes place. Here are the most important questions to ask your dentist:

• How many wisdom teeth need to be removed?
• What anesthetic will be used?
• Are there any risks involved with the procedure?
• How long will it take for me to recover?
• What does the actual procedure consist of?

By receiving answers to these questions, you can calm any nerves that may exist before the actual wisdom tooth extraction.

After wisdom teeth are extracted

It is important to prepare yourself beforehand for the recovery process. As is the case with any surgical procedure, there is likely to be some residual pain following the wisdom teeth extraction. Subsequently, it is important to understand how to manage the pain and what can and cannot be eaten following the extraction.

Pain management

In most instances, over-the-counter pain reliever is enough to keep the pain at a manageable level. In the event that over-the-counter medication is not strong enough, consult with your dentist before using a stronger pain reliever. Also, be sure to get plenty of rest in order to recover as quickly as possible.

Diet

Lastly, the time immediately after wisdom teeth extraction requires a change to your usual diet. Since chewing is likely to become extremely difficult, it is important to stock up on foods you can actually eat, such as soft fruits and vegetables, soft dairy products and plenty of soup. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water in order to avoid dry mouth.

Are you considering wisdom teeth extraction in the Peabody area? Get more information about wisdom teeth at https://www.northside-dentalcare.com.