Face the Facts on Finding Relief for Impacted Wisdom Teeth

Keeping your wisdom teeth is not always wise, especially if they have the potential to cause you pain and problems. That’s why wisdom teeth removal has become such a common procedure. Your dentist or oral surgeon will tell you what you need to know about the healing process, but here are some handy hints to keep you smiling through recovery.

Get the Lowdown About Impacted Wisdom Teeth

What are wisdom teeth? They are the third molars in the back of your mouth and are usually the final teeth to come in, although for some people they may never emerge at all. But if they erupt improperly, they can cause dental damage and disease. If they are trapped beneath the gums, they are called impacted wisdom teeth and can lead to subsequent infections and intense wisdom teeth pain. Experts recommend people have their wisdom teeth checked by age 20 to assess the development of these teeth. If the dentist sees a potential problem or impacted wisdom teeth, they can be easily removed. Wisdom teeth removal is a form of major surgery, but is done so commonly that it is really more like a routine procedure and is performed on an outpatient basis. A general or local anesthesia is used to make wisdom teeth removal more comfortable, but there may be some discomfort for the few days after the surgery.

Feel Good and Heal Properly after Wisdom Teeth Removal

Once wisdom teeth removal is complete, you will be sent home to recover. You may begin to feel better after a few days, but sometimes people need up to two weeks depending on the complexity of their case. It is normal to experience slight pain, swelling, or bleeding after wisdom teeth removal. There are many ways to ease and speed up your recovery, but these are some typical strategies:

• Rest for a few days after the procedure.
• Take an over-the-counter or prescription painkiller to ease any wisdom teeth pain during recovery.
• Place an ice pack over your face and jaw to reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain.
• You can resume most normal activities after the first day, but avoid strenuous activities for about a week to head off any problems.
• No brushing, flossing, rinsing, or spitting for 24 hours. After that time, you may start gently brushing your teeth.
• After the first 24 hours, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater a few times each day to keep it clean and prevent infection.
• Select softer foods for the first 24 hours, adding more firm foods to your diet as you feel comfortable.
• Avoid caffeine, soda, alcohol, hot beverages, and cold drinks for the first few days post-procedure.
• If you have any unusual symptoms, severe pain, or a fever, call your dentist or oral surgeon immediately. These symptoms may be signs of a complication and require immediate treatment.

To get the dental care you deserve from an affordable dentist in Georgia, call Imagix Dental today or make an appointment.

Imagix Dental offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Georgia. Our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Imagix Dental, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Imagix Dental.