The wisdom teeth removal process can be a bit daunting. After all, there are things to avoid after the surgery in order to ensure a speedy and successful recovery. That’s why we’ve put together this list of five things to avoid after wisdom teeth removal. Keep reading for tips on how to make the healing process go more smoothly! Here at Premier Dentistry of Eagle, we want to help make the experience as smooth as possible. Dr. Shane S. Porter has performed over ten thousand successful wisdom teeth removal procedures during his dental career. In fact, he considers it his best skill.

What are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. For some people, these teeth come in without any problems. But for many others, wisdom teeth can cause a whole host of issues.

Common Problems

Many times, however, wisdom teeth don’t have room to grow properly and can cause problems. Erupting wisdom teeth can grow at various angles in the jaw, sometimes even horizontally. Problems can include wisdom teeth that:

• Remain completely hidden within the gums. If they aren’t able to emerge normally, wisdom teeth become trapped (impacted) within your jaw. Sometimes this can result in infection or can cause a cyst that can damage other teeth roots or bone support.
• Emerge partially through the gums. Because this area is hard to see and clean, wisdom teeth that partially emerge create a passageway that can become a magnet for bacteria that cause gum disease and oral infection.
• Crowd nearby teeth. If wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to come in properly, they may crowd or damage nearby teeth.

Signs and Symptoms Wisdom Teeth Need to be Removed

Every patient is unique. However, the American Dental Association explains that wisdom teeth may need to be removed when there is evidence of changes in the mouth such as:

• Pain
• Infection
• Cysts
• Tumors
• Damage to neighboring teeth
• Gum disease
• Tooth decay (if it is not possible or desirable to restore the tooth)

The Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure

Wisdom teeth removal is a fairly common procedure. It’s typically an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day.

The first step is to numb the area around the wisdom teeth. This is done with local anesthesia, and it will keep you from feeling any pain during the surgery. Patients may also receive sedation to help them relax during the procedure.

Next, the dentist or oral surgeon will make small incisions in the gum tissue to expose the wisdom teeth. Once the teeth are exposed, they will be removed using special dental instruments. In some cases, the wisdom teeth may need to be cut into smaller pieces before they can be removed.

After the wisdom teeth have been removed, your dentist or oral surgeon will clean the area and then close up the incisions with stitches. A gauze pad will be placed over the area to help control bleeding.

5 Things to Avoid After Wisdom Teeth Removal: Tips for a Speedy Recovery

Recovery from wisdom teeth removal is typically pretty straightforward. The main thing to remember is to avoid anything that could disrupt the healing process. Here are five things to avoid after wisdom teeth removal:

1. Avoid hard and crunchy foods:

After wisdom teeth removal, your mouth will be tender and sore. Eating hard or crunchy foods can irritate the area and delay healing. Stick to soft foods like soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce, and ice cream for the first few days.

2. Avoid drinking from a straw:

Drinking from a straw can cause dry socket, a condition where the blood clot that forms in the socket after surgery is dislodged. Dry sockets are painful and can delay healing. Use a cup with a lid instead of a straw.

3. Avoid smoking:

Smoking can cause dry socket, infection, and other complications. If you smoke, it’s best to quit before surgery. If you can’t quit, at least avoid smoking for the first week after surgery.

4. Avoid alcohol:

Alcohol can thin your blood and delay healing. It can also interact with pain medication and cause nausea. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours after surgery.

5. Avoid vigorous activity:

Vigorous activity can increase bleeding and delay healing. Take it easy for the first few days after surgery. Avoid activities like sports, running, lifting weights, and strenuous exercise.

Make an Appointment with Premier Dentistry of Eagle

Whether you’re due for a routine cleaning or need more extensive dental work, the team at Premier Dentistry of Eagle is here to help. We offer a wide range of services, including wisdom teeth removal. To make an appointment, contact us today.