Wisdom teeth are usually the last to break through the gum tissue (between the ages of 17 and 21), so there is often little room left in the mouth for them to grow. This can then cause them to erupt sideways (only partially) or become trapped, which may result in pain, infection, and gum line swelling.
When any of these conditions arise, your dentist may schedule an extraction for lasting relief. Arlington Dental Team, home to your trusted family dentist in Arlington, VA, explains what to expect from this procedure.
Teeth Removal
This is a fairly common oral surgery, but removing the teeth prior to eruption involves a far more complex process. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that your smile is as natural and that the surrounding teeth are healthy. That is why during your visit to our dentist office in Arlington, VA, we will offer customized plans to keep you as comfortable as possible.
Potential Pain Levels
The level of discomfort varies individually. The use of analgesics will be at the discretion of your oral surgeon. In most cases, you will also be able to choose whether to go for anesthetics or laughing gas during the procedure.
Puffy Face
You may experience swollen cheeks 48 to 72 hours after the surgery, but it will usually resolve on its own within the week. Keep your head elevated and apply ice pack compresses to the area, to help the swelling go down faster.
Resume Normal Eating
If you are a fan of frozen foods, this is an ideal time to indulge. For the first 24 hours, restrict your diet to semi-liquids, such as yogurt, pudding, smoothies, and ice cream; just be sure to avoid using a straw since the suction can loosen blood clots. You can then graduate to soft foods, like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs and pastas, which will not require heavy chewing.
Oral Care
You should not ignore dental hygiene, but do so gently. Do not brush vigorously or floss around the affected spots; avoid rinsing during the first 24 hours. Ease back into your oral care routine over the following weeks to prevent food debris and bacteria from collecting in your mouth.
Ready for the procedure? Schedule your dentist appointment in Arlington, VA, with us today. We serve patients of all ages and we will do everything we can to protect your smile.
Call us at (703) 563-4419 to get started. Consult us about your dental needs today.