Having your wisdom teeth removed has become somewhat of a marker of adulthood. Most of us who have the procedure done will do so between our late teens and mid-twenties, and nearly everyone has a story of the silly things that were said as they were waking up from being under anesthesia. While a wisdom tooth extraction is as routine a surgery as any, there are still a few minor risks and complications that come along with it. As with anything health related, knowledge is power when it comes to keeping yourself or your loved ones healthy and safe. Today, we’re exploring some of the more common complications experienced after a wisdom tooth extraction!
1. Dry Sockets
Dry sockets are the stuff of wisdom tooth legend. While relatively uncommon, dry sockets are uncomfortable enough that anyone who has experienced them will share their story. Dry sockets happen when the blood clot protecting the wound from your recently removed wisdom tooth is dislodged, exposing nerve endings and sensitive tissue. To avoid dislodging your blood clots, be sure to eat only liquid foods for the first few days after having your wisdom teeth removed, and refrain from any sucking motions like smoking or using a straw.
2. Strained Mouth Function
After a surgical dental procedure such as a wisdom tooth extraction, some patients will notice that the mobility of their jaw is impacted. If you are struggling to open your mouth as wide as you are used to, contact your dentist so that he or she can put you on a regimen of heat therapy, pain medication, and muscle relaxants to get your jaw back to its proper form.
3. Bleeding Heavily
Almost one third of patients who have their wisdom teeth removed report excessive bleeding the day after surgery. To help curtail this, doctors recommend avoiding smoking, using straws, and rinsing the mouth, as all of these actions can either dislodge blood clots or prevent them from forming properly.
4. Swelling and Aches
Pain is an unfortunate byproduct of almost any surgical procedure. While it is expected to have pain and swelling after your wisdom teeth are removed, the amount you experience will vary from person to person. About half of all patients report experiencing severe pain the day after surgery, while the other half report the pain to be mild. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help manage any pain you experience. In addition to medication, staying well rested, avoiding strenuous activity, and staying hydrated are all excellent ways to help mitigate pain.
If you have recently had your wisdom teeth removed and are experiencing complications, reach out to your dentist as soon as possible to discuss what measures should be taken to get you back to a comfortable place. Alternatively, if you think it may be time for your wisdom teeth to come out, don’t hesitate to give your dentist a call!
Contact Valley Dental Care in Oswego or Aurora to schedule your next appointment today!