This article, part 3 of 3, provides answers to some of the questions frequently asked about wisdom teeth, their emergence, extraction and post-operative care.

In this, the final installment of a three-part article series on wisdom teeth, we shall answer the last of the questions frequently asked of this experienced dentist in Pueblo.

Question: Is the surgery required for the extraction of wisdom teeth complicated? Does it hurt?

Pueblo Dentist’s Answer: Extracting wisdom teeth can be a very simple and straight-forward procedure, says the dentist in Pueblo. It all depends on the alignment of the teeth and whether they are impacted (partially or fully trapped beneath the neighboring molar) or not. The presence of infection and abscesses can also make surgical extraction somewhat trickier, which is why it is so important for patients to seek consistent and regular attention from the dentist in Pueblo. Potentially problematic wisdom teeth can readily be identified using X-ray imaging, which allows the dentist in Pueblo to schedule their extraction before the patient suffers unnecessary pain, discomfort and complication. During the procedure, patients will either be sedated and receive a local anesthetic, or they will undergo general anesthesia. This depends upon whether the surgery required for extraction is invasive or not. Either way, the use of anesthesia ensures that the procedure is completely painless while the dentist in Pueblo will help the patient feel as comfortable and anxiety-free as possible.

Question: What does the procedure for wisdom teeth removal involve?

Pueblo Dentist’s Answer: If the wisdom tooth is still encased in the jaw bone, then the dentist in Pueblo will make a small incision in the gum and remove the obstructing bone tissue. Frequently, the tooth is removed in small portions to make the operation as minimally traumatic on the surrounding tissue as possible. This lessens post-operative pain and discomfort for the patient, says the dentist in Pueblo. If the tooth has already emerged, then the extraction is straight-forward and can be completed in as little as five minutes per tooth. Remember, anesthesia and sedation are used to keep the patient completely comfortable and free from pain at all times, says the Pueblo dentist.

Question: What kind of post-procedural pain and discomfort can I expect after having my wisdom teeth removed? How do I care for it afterwards?

Pueblo Dentist’s Answer:

Post Operative Bleeding ~

There is usually a bit of bleeding from the sutured tooth sockets in the first 24 hours after having wisdom teeth removed, which is completely normal, says the dentist in Pueblo. This can be controlled by pressing some cotton gauze over the wound and biting down gently for around 45 minutes. The Pueblo dentist also urges patients to avoid rinsing, spitting and strong sucking actions (such as drinking through a straw). These actions may worsen the bleeding or even dislodge the clot, causing the wound to reopen.

Facial Swelling and Bruising ~

Facial swelling and bruising are also common for patients who have just undergone wisdom tooth extraction, says the dentist in Pueblo. Ice packs are given to patients to hold over their face and jaw during the ensuing days, and this reduces the pain as well as the swelling. Analgesics, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), will be prescribed by the dentist in Pueblo to manage any post-operative pain and discomfort. For more complicated cases involving more invasive surgery, stronger pain medications and antibiotics (in the case of infection) may be prescribed.

Diet and Oral Hygiene Care ~

On the day of the surgery, it is recommended by the dentist in Pueblo that patients stick to a liquid diet (soups and blended vegetables or fruit) until the effects of the anesthesia have dissipated. Only soft foods should be eaten in the days following surgery. This, says the dentist in Pueblo, will ensure that the healing tooth sockets are not re-opened or damaged. Avoid alcohol consumption too; it clashes with the pain medication and prolongs healing. Lastly, continue to brush your teeth! Just do so slowly and carefully, making sure to avoid the molars directly in front of the ex-wisdom teeth. Gargle with warm, salty water in the first few days following surgery. According to the dentist in Pueblo, many commercial mouthwashes contain alcohol and other chemicals that may irritate the surgical wounds.

Most importantly, if you have any questions or are worried about your recovery, don’t hesitate to contact your Pueblo dentist!