There are certain things that nearly all Americans experience in their lives: getting a driver’s license, getting married, having your first child. These are all wonderful experiences that most people look forward to. However, there are also events that nearly all of us experience that nobody looks forward to, and one of those is wisdom teeth removal. In today’s post, we will look at these three phases of wisdom teeth removal:
- Pre-surgery
- During surgery
- Post-surgery
In these three phases, Parkcrest Dental Group will explain what you should expect from each phase and how it might affect you.
Prepping For Surgery
A big part of the wisdom teeth removal process is the preparation for surgery. This process begins with meeting with an oral surgeon and figuring out if you actually need your wisdom teeth removed. There are certain symptoms that suggest your need for removal, such as pain, sinus issues, and inflamed gums.
Once you know you need them removed, the preparation process will begin. This typically includes screening for any potential health problems that could impact the surgery, as well as choosing what type of anesthesia you will use. You will also need to plan for time off of school or work for the surgery and recovery process.
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What Is The Surgery Itself Like?
Compared to most surgeries, wisdom teeth removal is pretty routine. It typically takes less than 45 minutes and the type of surgery and anesthesia will often be determined by the severity of your need. For some, the surgeon may have to cut into your gums or even bone to get to the teeth. However, this is rare.
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Recovery Process
The post-surgery process is usually what causes the most inconvenience. While it is a routine procedure, you should still prepare for at least three days of swelling and pain that will almost always require time off of school and work. It will take a few weeks for your mouth to fully recover.
The best ways to recover quickly and deal with the pain are to use ice packs and heat techniques. It is also healthy to open and close your mouth to keep your jaw active. As far as eating goes, you will want to stick with soft food, with soup typically being most people’s food of choice. However, pasta and rice are also options. You will also want to drink plenty of fluids, but it’s important not to drink them through a straw, as sucking can loosen the blood clots that are helping your mouth heal.
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Let Parkcrest Dental Help With Your Wisdom Teeth Removal
Picking the right dentist for your wisdom teeth removal is a big decision. At Parkcrest Dental, we are dedicated to keeping you comfortable during your wisdom teeth removal and having you leave our office in better shape than you came. Contact us today at (417) 262-5515 or visit our website for more information.